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Australia to play New Zealand in first day-night test match

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson has said that the historic day/night Test between Australia and New Zealand is part of an overall package to invigorate Test cricket.

Speaking ahead of the first-ever day/night Test, Richardson said the game needs to understand the demands and expectations of both the fans and its key stakeholders, and Tests played into the evening session will provide an option to countries where the longer-format was facing attendance and commercial issues.

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“The reality is that Test cricket is faced with challenges such as declining crowd attendances in some countries, as well as issues of context and competition for attention from shorter formats of the game,” said Richardson.

“Either we do nothing, and let the appetite for Test cricket die, or deal with the problem head-on and with an innovative and proactive approach.

“In relation to this, it has already been agreed to introduce a Test Cricket Fund from next year which will assist countries with the costs associated with staging Test matches.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum won the toss and elected to bat first against Australia in the first ever day-night Test on Friday.

The contentious and experimental pink ball will get its first test in the five-day format in afternoon conditions, with the match due to start at 2 p.m. local time (09.00 IST) at the Adelaide Oval. A ceremony to mark the first anniversary of former Australia batsman Phillip Hughes’ death will be held at 4:08 p.m. during the first interval.

Allrounder Mitchell Santner will make his test debut for New Zealand, giving McCullum two spin bowling options. Trent Boult recovered from a back problem to take his place in the New Zealand pace attack.

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