Gabba snub in summer line-up

CRICKET Australia (CA) is still hoping it can persuade India that the opening match of their four-Test series in Adelaide should be a day-nighter.

CA released its full summer international schedule yesterday but could not confirm it will continue its recent tradition of pink-ball Tests in the clash at Adelaide Oval from December 6.

The powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India has been opposed to the day-night Test innovation started by Australia in 2015.

But a report from India last week indicated they may play one of two home Tests against West Indies in October under lights. If so, it would help prepare them for a pink-ball clash on Australian soil.

“It is our preference that we play India in a day-night test match in Adelaide, but we are still working through this detail and hope to have an answer on this in the coming weeks,” CA chief executive James Sutherland said.

Perth Stadium will host a Test match for the first time when it hosts the second Test against India from December 14 to 18.

With Melbourne and Sydney hosting India for the traditional Boxing Day and New Year Tests, Brisbane misses out on the summer’s most high-profile series and loses its status as the season-opening Test venue. Instead the Gabba will host the first of two Tests against Sri Lanka, a day-nighter from January 24 which runs over the Australia Day long weekend.

Canberra’s Manuka Oval will host its maiden Test when Australia round out their home summer of cricket in game two against Sri Lanka from February 1.

The Gabba Test, which falls during Australia Day celebrations, is a reminder that the venue is no longer in the same league as those in rival states.

“Both these stadiums (in Perth and Adelaide) are modern, state-of-the-art stadiums,” Sutherland said.

“The Gabba was that once and I’m sure it will be again ... there’s nothing to say that in the future the first Test of an Ashes series won’t continue to be at the Gabba.”

Queensland Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington attacked the state Labor Government for losing the first Test of the summer.

“It’s simply just not cricket,” she said. “This is a real kick in the guts for all cricket lovers.”

The Gold Coast is to host international cricket for the first time, a T20 between Australia and South Africa on November 17.