Search

show me:

CA to push India for home day-night Tests

3 minute read

Having lost the argument last year, Cricket Australia will resume the push for day-night Test cricket when India visit again next summer.

India captain VIRAT KOHLI in Southampton, England.
India captain VIRAT KOHLI  in Southampton, England. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Cricket Australia will leverage India's successful day-night Test introduction at home as they continue talks to play at least one in Australia next summer.

India dug their heels in on their visit to Australia last summer and left with an historic 2-1 series victory following four traditional Tests.

But this week in Kolkata they became the last major cricketing force to join the pink ball revolution and fans have responded.

Tickets for the first four days of the match against Bangladesh at the 67,000-capacity Eden Gardens are said to be sold out.

Australia will play pink ball Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand in Adelaide and Perth respectively this summer.

Indian skipper Virat Kholi hopes administrators don't overdo the concept but, ahead of four Tests against the powerhouse in Australia next season, Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts has got a spring in his step.

"It's fantastic to see Sourav Ganguly leading the charge as the new president of the BCCI on that (day-night Tests)," Roberts said on SEN radio.

"We're having productive discussions with India about the prospect of us playing day-night Tests in the future.

"Let's hope this week's experience in Kolkata is a really powerful one for them and a good experience that gives them more confidence about playing more day-night Test cricket going forward.

"We know we attract a lot more to day-night Tests ... there's no question that day-night Test cricket needs to play a stronger role in the Test landscape."

Afghanistan will also visit for the first time and play one Test against Australia, with the schedule due to be announced around April next year.

India avoided a Test at the Gabba last season, where Australia haven't lost a Test since 1988.

Roberts said player power could help secure an Indian Test in Brisbane, meaning Afghanistan would play the summer's opening Test elsewhere.

He also said the vacant selector's position - a third appointment to work alongside Trevor Hohns and Justin Langer - could be decided within a week.

Domestic cricket stalwarts George Bailey and Michael Klinger are reportedly the two men in the race for the job.

What’s gambling really costing you?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au