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Johnson sees red over pink-ball Tests

The fiery quick reiterates his strong opposition to day-night Tests after the announcement of a pink-ball Ashes match

Former Test paceman Mitchell Johnson has panned the decision to schedule a day-night Ashes clash next summer, saying it's just not Test cricket.

Cricket Australia announced on Tuesday that the first ever day-night Ashes Test will be staged when arch-enemies England and Australia lock horns at Adelaide Oval next December.

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After the success of the inaugural Test under lights last year between Australia and New Zealand, CA scheduled another two day-night matches this summer  and have been pleased with the crowd numbers and television ratings from the encounters.

But Johnson isn't a fan of the concept, and he was especially annoyed it's now been introduced into an Ashes series - the pinnacle of Test cricket for any Australian.

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"I'm not really happy about it. I just don't think it's Test cricket," Johnson said.

"It's a totally different game altogether. They change the wickets.

"Adelaide Oval in Test match cricket never has grass on it. But the two day-night Test matches that have been played there, there's been lots of grass on it.

"As a bowler, I should be happy about it. Because it definitely brings bowlers into it.

"But to me, it's a change of a game. And I think it changes stats as well. So I just don't like it."

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With the first two day-night Tests in Australia having been well-received (while the third, against Pakistan at the Gabba, got underway on Thursday afternoon), CA chief executive James Sutherland said the governing body was excited to schedule a pink-ball Test for the 2017-18 Ashes series.

“We recognise how big the Ashes is for both home and travelling fans, and the early announcement of the schedule for this series will allow fans here in Australia and abroad to plan their Ashes summer," Sutherland said in a statement.

“We’re really excited to announce that Adelaide will play host to the first ever Day-Night Ashes Test. We know how much Adelaide fans love this style of Test cricket.

"We’re expecting a full house next year in what is sure to be a great contest.”

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Johnson said he understood CA was trying to lure more fans to the sport by playing more day-night Test matches.

But he said the huge hype surrounding the Ashes meant it didn't need a day-night fixture.

Johnson retired on the eve of the first ever day-night Test match last summer, a decision he doesn't regret.

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"I wanted to finish playing Test match cricket," Johnson said in a none-too-subtle dig at the day-night format.

Johnson will have the chance to vent some of his frustrations when he makes his KFC Big Bash League debut this summer.

The 35-year-old will front up for the Perth Scorchers, and he's confident he still boasts his menacing pace despite only playing a handful of fixtures since his retirement.

Johnson has signed a one-year deal with the Scorchers, but he remains open to playing on beyond this season if he performs well.

"It depends how I go. If I get smacked around and I pull up really sore and I'm not enjoying it, then I won't play," Johnson said.

"But if I enjoy it, you never know, it could be an option in the next couple of years."

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