The Monday Column

twists and turns. Test cricket is The Lord of the Rings of sport.

Take the Hobart saga of 2012 and Doug Bracewell’s epic 6/40 to win the game. How about the last test played at Eden Park back in 2014. A cracker. We beat India by 40 runs.

Baz — Brendon McCullum — hit a legendary 224. Sizzling stuff. As was my East Stand sunburn. We didn’t win the next in that series. But we did get an heroic series-winning draw. McCullum’s match-saving, nationstopping 302 will never be forgotten.

I asked All Blacks captain and Great New Zealander Kieran Read to share his thoughts: “I love test cricket. Sadly I can’t be at the ground for the Pink Ball. But that’s okay, I’ll be pressing the yellow button on my Sky remote and tuning into the mighty Alternative Commentary Collective. Pink Ball Yellow Button. Go the Black Caps.”

Top broadcaster Hilary Barry adds: “I’m super excited about the pink ball test. Not as giggling schoolboy excited as my co-host Jeremy. But pretty excited.”

All Black prop and bloody good Kiwi Wyatt Crockett reckons “there’s nothing better than putting your feet up for a couple of hours, couple of beers listening to the sound of leather on willow, how’s the serenity? Hillbilly Crockett can’t be at the park but I’ll be pushing the yellow button, I was a fan of The Twelfth Man and the ACC is like New Zealand’s version, but way better!”

Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner adds: “Eden Park has proudly hosted some of the country’s most memorable sporting moments over its 115-year history. The day-night test represents another historical event for New Zealand’s national stadium. We encourage all Aucklanders to be part of history. We’re grateful for the support of local businesses and our neighbourhood in securing this daynight test for New Zealand.”

ACC commentator, Hauraki Breakfast and Seven Sharp host Jeremy Wells: “I can’t wait. It’s our first opportunity to watch the Black Caps brains trust deal with the tactical challenges of day/night test cricket in New Zealand.”

So wag or come along after work next Thursday and Friday. If you can’t attend every minute of the five days, no worries. Tune in. There’s the incomparable Ian Smith and team, there’s the trusty Radio Sport guys and for smart, sexy and insightful commentary join Jeremy Wells, Mike Lane, Jason Hoyte, Matt Heath (that’s me) and The Alternative Commentary Collective.

Available on iHeartRadio and for the first time on Sky. Simply tune in to the game and press the yellow button on your Sky remote. As the song goes. Pink ball, yellow button . . . pink ball, yellow button.

The Pink Ball Test. It’s great having something to look forward to.