Ahmedabad's Motera stadium shortlisted to host day-night Test between India and England

The BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, on Sunday, confirmed that India will be playing a day-night Test in Australia and also against England at home. Also, the Indian board has shortlisted the renovated Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad as the likely venue to host the day-night Test between India and England next year. The decision was taken at the BCCI’s apex council meeting in Delhi on Sunday which was attended by the board President Ganguly and the secretary Jay Shah.

The decision to play a day-night Test down under comes after the Earl Eddings-led Cricket Australia (CA) delegation met Ganguly and Shah in January during the ODI series between the two countries. Interestingly, the CA was interested in hosting two day-night Tests during the four-match series. But the BCCI has given the nod for only a solitary Test match under the lights.

Also, according to ESPNCricinfo, Brisbane or Adelaide will be the venue to host the Pink ball Test. The Gabba is also assured of hosting the series opener while the Adelaide Oval will host a Test later in the series.

Possible venues for England series also discussed in the meeting

During the apex council meeting, the BCCI officials also discussed the possible venues for the five-match home series against England next year which is also the part of the ICC Test Championship. Though not much known is about the other venues, the Indian board is looking to cash in on the excitement around the day-night Test it seems. The new-look stadium which, once completed, will be the biggest cricket ground in the world with a seating capacity of 110,000.

The venue hasn’t hosted an international game since November 2014. India and Sri Lanka last played an ODI at the Motera Stadium after which the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) decided to renovate it completely including the relaying pitches as well as the outfield. The venue is also expected to play hosts for a T20 match between Asia XI and World XI before which America President Donald Trump is also slated to inaugurate the stadium.