New Zealand to host first ever Day-Night Test

New Zealand Cricket (NZC), on Monday, announced that they will host their first ever Day-Night Test next year in Auckland. The match will be played under lights against England in first of the two match Test series on March 22 at Eden Park. Interestingly, the Black Caps were the first team to play the Test in these conditions at Adelaide and now England have also experienced it.

In New Zealand, it is not allowed to play under lights on Sunday and hence the board had said that an “independent hearing” would have to clear the proposal to stage the Day-Night Test. The Auckland Council approved the proposal following Eden Park’s application to stage the Test match. The board was extremely pleased as they were able to host the first ever Test match under lights.

We want to focus on improving access to cricket

NZC Chief Operating Officer too was happy and pointed out that these kinds of Test matches would bring in more fans to the stadiums. Day-Night Tests across the nations has already received a huge response as the fans are welcoming the fascination of playing in whites under the lights.

“NZC has a particular focus on improving access to cricket for everyone. Being able to stage the Test as a day-nighter is a significant step in the right direction. This means we can promote cricket in its most modern and vibrant incarnation; we can improve accessibility for new audiences, and we can showcase Eden Park, Auckland and New Zealand to a truly global audience,” Crummy said.

He also mentioned that the cricket lovers in the country would absolutely love the event and was confident about it being successful. “This a very important outcome for Test cricket lovers in New Zealand – simply because it allows us the opportunity to play the game at a time when more people can engage with it.We’re sure it will be a very successful event, and that English and New Zealand fans alike will make the most of the opportunity,” he added.

The first session of the Test match will be played between 2 pm to 4 pm, with the second session commencing from 4.20pm and will end at 6.20pm. The final session will start at 7 pm and conclude at 9 pm.