Australia eye pink-ball Test against India at Adelaide Oval
Cricket Australia 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 on Monday but could not confirm it will continue its recent tradition of pink-ball Tests in the clash at Adelaide Oval from 6 December.
The powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India has been opposed to the day-night Test innovation started by Australia in 2015 However, a report from India last week indicated they may play one of two home Tests against West Windies in October under lights. Is so, it would help prepare them for a pinkball 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 host the second Test against India from 14 to 18 December. 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 seasonopening Test venue.
Instead the Gabba will host the first of two Tests against Sri Lanka, a day-nighter from 24 January 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 1 February.
The Gold Coast is to host international cricket for the first time, staging a T20 game between Australia and South Africa. The T20 international at Metricon Stadium on November 17 will follow Australia’s three one-dayers against the touring Proteas in Perth, Adelaide and Hobart.
“Cricket continues to look beyond its traditional boundaries by taking our game to new and exciting venues and locations,” Sutherland said. “We welcome the chance to showcase international cricket on the Gold Coast and Canberra this summer and to provide even more fans with the opportunity to experience these matches in person.”