The first day-night test in New Zealand remains under the black cloud as New Zealand Cricket haven’t received council approval to stage the pink-ball contest against England at Eden Park in March, yet.
It’s been more than two years since first pink-ball Test took place in Australia, however, New Zealand’s hopes of staging their own in the series-opener against England hinge on the outcome of an “independent hearing into using lights on a Sunday,” NZC said on Wednesday.
“We’ve completed a resource consent hearing with Eden Park and we’re hopeful within the next week or two we’ll have a result from the independent commissioners on whether it will proceed,” NZC chief executive David White said.
The March 22-26 match will be followed by the second and final test in Christchurch from March 30. Also Check: India in Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli Confirms KL Rahul’s Return For Second Test
England, who also play five one-dayers before the tests, will begin their tour by joining Ashes rivals Australia in the first ever Twenty20 tri-series between full ICC members.
New Zealand kick off their home summer with two tests against West Indies in December, one less than originally planned, with an eye on the proposed ‘Test Championship’. Also Check: Australia Players, Board Edge Closer to Resolve Pay Dispute
“We think it’s critical that we look to be innovative in this space and, also, that a test match championship is ratified by the ICC at its October meeting,” White said.
“The test game needs to have more context, and be more relevant, especially for the younger generations coming through.”
New Zealand, host of the under-19 World Cup next year, also welcome Pakistan for five one-dayers and three Twenty20 internationals in January.
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