Cricket: NZ will consider tests under lights

NZC chief executive David White. Photo / Sarah Ivey

CEO says administration keen to see cricket evolve.

Should the proposed day-night transtasman test late next year be a success, expect New Zealand Cricket to step up plans to follow suit.

NZC chief executive David White replied "absolutely" when asked if the planned dipping of the toes into the five-day game under lights in November next year might sharpen New Zealand to the idea.

"We're very open to it. [But] let's see how this goes," White said of the test, most likely in Adelaide or Hobart.

Both White and Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland made the point yesterday that the game has always been evolving.

"People talk about messing with the traditions of test cricket," White said. "But there's been significant changes - covered pitches, over rates, the introduction of helmets, changes to the no ball rule, fielding restrictions - and as administrators we have to keep evolving and improving the game."

There's no question it won't be universally popular. There are those who've never really bought into 50-over cricket - and don't even mention the heretical T20 to those ears - so, to the doubters, taking a second new ball at 9.30pm on day three just won't be cricket.

Australian captain Michael Clarke isn't a fan of the idea. Then again, he doesn't have to keep an eye on test-playing countries' financial wellbeing.

It's not a done deal yet, but the simple fact that the two countries went to the trouble yesterday of teeing up a joint conference call would suggest it's a long way down the path. And yes, the pink ball may behave slightly differently to the red - just as the white balls' properties make it a distinctly different challenge for batsmen and bowlers. CA have found it not to be drastically different during Sheffield Shield experiments

If it proves a step too far in cricketing terms, or not as profitable to the administrators, so be it. However, cricket's authorities need to give it a chance.