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Pink-ball evolution continues to gain foothold

NZC chief says players must embrace day-night Test cricket if the format is to survive

The pink-ball evolution for Test cricket is gaining momentum, with New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White throwing his support behind a proposed day-night Test in India this October, and warning players must embrace day-night Tests if they want the game's longest format to survive.

The Black Caps met Australia in the inaugural pink-ball Test in Adelaide last November and are in line to meet India in a day-night encounter when they tour the subcontinent in October and November this year.

Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Anurag Thakur confirmed India's plans to play the pink-ball Test against the Black Caps earlier this month, at a venue yet to be determined and with India's first-class competition to be used as part of the hosts' preparations.

While White, who held  talks with Indian officials during the International Cricket Council meetings in Dubai last week, said he felt the BCCI had "jumped the gun" in announcing the fixture, he said New Zealand were keen to be part of the proposed match.

''We've said we are receptive to the idea," White told Radio Sport NZ.

''We will work closely with the players, but in saying that, if the trials look good and they (India) are comfortable with (the trials) it's very positive from our point of view. We believe day-night test cricket has a big future in the game."

New Zealand want to play at least one day-night warm-up match in India should the proposed Test go ahead, while the New Zealand Herald is reporting that Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium is shaping as the early favourite to host the match.

"(India) realise that they have got an issue with their crowds at Test match cricket," White said.

"While T20 and one-day cricket is huge, they do struggle to get big crowds for Test matches.

"I think the players will be very supportive going forward, (day-night Test cricket) is essential for the survival of the format, to be honest."

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said he felt it was "inevitable" his side would play more day-night Test cricket.

"To play in front of a full house in India in a Test match would be pretty special," Hesson said.

White said while he could not see day-night matches dominating Test cricket, he believes in future most Test series will include a match played under lights.

"It provides an opportunity for the game to be more accessible to the fans and we've got to listen to them, they drive the revenue, they drive the game.

"We've got to uphold the traditions of the game – I'm as traditional as anyone – but we've got to look to the future as well."

Australia will meet Pakistan in a day-night match in Brisbane in December, while they have also pencilled in a clash under lights with South Africa in Adelaide – a fixture the Proteas say they are reluctant to play due to a lack of practice against the pink ball.

However, Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland remains optimistic the match will go ahead as planned.

Pakistan also hope to host their own day-night Test against West Indies in the United Arab Emirates in October.