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Ashes Tests ditch day/night format
4 Mar
Summary
- Day/night Test matches are reportedly ending in the Ashes series.
- England's cricket board opposes continuing with pink ball Tests.
- Future Ashes preparations for England will include under-lights practice.
Day/night Test matches are reportedly set to be removed from future Ashes series after discussions between Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board. The ECB is reportedly against the continuation of pink ball encounters in the Ashes schedule, feeling that a series of such magnitude does not necessitate them.
Despite broadcasters favoring day/night games for prime-time viewing and increased attendance, the decision requires agreement from both nations. Australia has regularly hosted pink ball Tests since 2015, winning all four played in the last three Ashes series on home soil.
However, a notable exception is the upcoming 150th-anniversary Test at the MCG, which will be played under lights with a pink ball. This decision has drawn criticism, though Cricket Australia's CEO cited the importance of packing out the venue and celebrating the game's heritage.
Future Ashes preparations for England will also see enhancements, with plans for a warm-up game under new lights in Melbourne and a first-class match in 2029. Australia will also play a warm-up match before the next series in England in 2027.
