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Adelaide to host inaugural day-night Test

Australia and New Zealand will play cricket’s first day-night Test in Adelaide from late November.

The Test, running November 27-December 1, will feature pink balls that Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland believes will hold up to Test match play.

The Test is one of six at home for the Australians – three each against New Zealand and West Indies – from November 5 until January 7.

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“We’re really confident with the work that has been done over the past few years, we have had two successive seasons of Sheffield Shield cricket where pink balls have been trialled,” Sutherland said in a statement on Tuesday.

“We have worked very closely with the Australian Cricketers Association and Kookaburra in the development of the ball and its continued upgrade to make it ready.

“We’ll make sure that the players from both teams are well prepared.

“We’re working really closely with New Zealand Cricket in giving them the right tour matches and preparation before the ultimate day-night Test which is the last of the series.

“And similarly with our players. A number of our players have already had experience through Shield cricket but those that haven’t, we’ll be finding opportunities for them to play with the pink balls.”

Australian coach Darren Lehmann said the concept was exciting.

“It’s going to be history isn’t it?” he said in a statement.

“It’s a great Test match traditionally and now the day-night Test match adds something special to it.

“It’s going to be exceptional to see everyone turning up for the first one ever in Test match cricket.”

Sutherland hoped the night move, backed by broadcaster the Nine Network and the International Cricket Council, would entice more fans to Test cricket, as well as deliver greater television reach.

Australia’s Test summer gets underway in Brisbane against the Kiwis on November 5 with Perth hosting the second Test from November 17.

The West Indies play in Hobart from December 10 before the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and Sydney Test starting January 3.

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