Pink ball could shape Test future: McCullum

Brendon McCullum hopes he's stepping into the future of Test cricket.

The New Zealand captain believes the inaugural day-night Test, against Australia at Adelaide Oval from Friday, could be just the fillip for long-form cricket.

McCullum hopes the Test goes off without a hitch, noting the message already sent to the cricket hierarchy from strong ticket sales – crowds of more than 40,000 are expected for at least the initial three days in Adelaide.

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Asked on Thursday if day-nighters were the future of Test cricket, McCullum replied: "It's a really good question.

"I think people are voting with their feet; they are encouraged by what the pink ball Test match has to offer.

"And for us to play in front of 40,000-odd people in a Test match is pretty amazing, so we're really, really excited about it.

"Hopefully it goes off brilliantly (and) there's no challenges, no problems.

"If we have that final session on the fifth day under lights, and a Test match result is in the balance, then I think that it could be anything for Test cricket. This could be something that is outstanding for the game moving forward.

"We will find out once the game is over, I guess, but at least we have got the opportunity to test it out, and we're relishing that opportunity."

McCullum, who expects paceman Trent Boult to overcome a back injury and play in the series decider, dismissed controversy about the experimental pink balls.

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He said the supposed difficulties of batsmen facing the pink balls under lights had been overblown.

"There's a lot been made that it's almost unplayable during those times," he said.

"But it's just a little bit more challenging during that stage.

"It doesn't mean you can't get runs, or survive, and ensure you're there to bat the next day when conditions will be easier.

"It is a quirk of this Test match, but there's some good players on show who I'm sure can negotiate those challenges."

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The New Zealanders need to win to square the three-Test series at 1-1 – if they do, they'll be unbeaten in their past eight Test series.

"If we could pull off a Test win here, which is certainly firmly in our minds, we would leave Australia reasonably content with our work," McCullum said.

"We came over here to win the series – that is now off the table.

"But we can certainly leave with a lot of respect and a drawn series which would be a very good achievement, I think, against a new and emerging Australian side."