Cricket Australia has confirmed that a pink ball Test is still expected to be part of the Ashes series in 2029 and 2030. The decision comes despite recent reports claiming that a day night Test would not be included in the future series.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said the board still plans to stage at least one day-night Test during the Australian summer. The move is also linked to the current broadcast deal, which runs until 2031 and requires one day-night Test every season.
Day night Tests remain important for Australia
Greenberg said the pink ball format has worked well in Australia and continues to attract strong television viewership. He also said that venues like Adelaide Oval have shown how successful the format can be.
The most recent Ashes day-night Test was played in Brisbane, where Australia defeated England by eight wickets.
England have played four pink ball Tests in Australia and have lost all of them. Earlier in the season, England batter Joe Root questioned whether day-night Tests were needed in an Ashes series since the rivalry already attracts huge interest.
Greenberg, however, said the expectation is still that England will play a pink-ball Test on their next Ashes tour.
150th anniversary Test to be played under lights
Cricket Australia is also preparing for a historic match next year. The 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England will be played with the pink ball at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The match will mark 150 years since the first Test between the two teams. Cricket Australia expects crowds of more than 90000 people for the first three days of the game.
Some critics have questioned the idea of playing such an important match as a day-night Test. However, Greenberg said ticket demand shows fans are excited about the event.
He added that the evening sessions make it easier for fans in England to watch the match on television.
Special guests planned for the historic match
Cricket Australia plans to invite every living player from the Centenary Test, along with former captains from both teams. Members of the cricket Hall of Fame will also be invited.
An invitation has also been sent to King Charles III. If he attends, officials may arrange the presentation earlier in the match to avoid the risk of the game finishing before the final day.
