Adelaide to Host First Day/Night Test

Melbourne: Australia on Tuesday announced it will play six Test matches against New Zealand and the West Indies over the southern summer.

Australia and New Zealand will play the first day-night match in Test cricket's 138-year history, cricket chiefs announced Tuesday, in a bid to drive up dwindling spectator numbers for the five-day game.

Despite misgivings among players, officials from both countries decided to proceed this year with the experimental format -- played under lights and with a pink ball -- which they hope will drive up attendance and television ratings.

CA, backed by broadcaster Channel Nine, has promoted the idea for years and trialled day-night first-class cricket during the past two Sheffield Shield seasons.

The historic first international in Adelaide will be the third and final Test in a series between the trans-Tasman rivals.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said it was a way to boost the popularity of Test cricket, which is seen by purists as the pinnacle of the game but has been overshadowed by limited-overs formats in recent years.

New Zealand Cricket chief David White said the day-night format would not take over from regular Test cricket, describing it as part of the game's evolution.

Australia 2015-16 schedule:

Australia v New Zealand:
Nov 05-09: 1st Test, Brisbane
Nov 13-17: 2nd Test, Perth
Nov 27-1 Dec: 3rd Test, Adelaide (day-night).

Australia v West Indies:
Dec 10-14: 1st Test, Hobart
Dec 26-30: 2nd Test, MCG
Jan 03-07: 3rd Test, SGG

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