‘Got to call that out’: Cricket civil war erupts over Adelaide Test snub

One state is absolutely furious at Cricket Australia as controversy erupts over a surprising decision to go against recent Test history.

As Australia wrap up another comfortable Test victory against the West Indies, one state is furious about an unpopular change to a recent cricket tradition.

The Adelaide Oval has become synonymous with day-night cricket in Australia, so it’s been a surprise that a pink ball Test isn’t being held there this summer.

Instead, Brisbane will host this summer’s lone day-night match at the Gabba in the second and final Test against the West Indies next week.

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The scheduling of the Test to start midweek has infuriated punters, especially given the action will be all over before the weekend even starts.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas slammed the decision to take the day night Test away from Adelaide.

Malinauskas told ABC Radio: “The Adelaide Test gets bigger crowds than the SCG Test and here’s Cricket Australia saying, ‘Well look to all those South Australians out there who have treated the game loyally, show up, pay their money — we’re going to relegate your schedule to midweek cricket against a lower opposition because we’re going to take you for granted’.

“I think someone’s got to call that out.”

The Adelaide Test won’t make it to the weekend. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas is furious the day night Test was taken off Adelaide. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

There is growing competition from states for Tests in the school and work holiday period so crowd figures can be maximised.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said Adelaide was scheduled as a day Test so the Big Bash finals could get clear air in the evening.

“This season, the scheduling has been really super complicated and that’s because of the World Cup, everything is pushed a little bit later,” Hockley told SEN.

“We’ve had to play Test matches throughout the duration of the Big Bash. The reason this (Adelaide Test) is a day game is so we can play the Big Bash finals in the evening.

“The first day of the 5th Test at the Gabba is the day after the Big Bash finals, so the beauty is cricket is on 12 hours a day and there’s been great cricket on every evening.

“That’s what we’ve sat down on, worked with our broadcast partners and I think the interplay between the Test matches and BBL has been great.”

Adelaide has hosted seven day-night Tests matches since hosting the first ever pink ball international in 2015.

It’s the second summer in a row the South Australian capital has hosted a Test involving the West Indies

India tour Australia next summer and it would be a major surprise if we don’t see the day-night Test return to Adelaide.

The Adelaide Oval pitch has played plenty of tricks on batsmen. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough has admitted the pitch has been below par for this match.

The Test is set to finish in less than two and a half days, largely due to a pitch that has offered plenty for the fast bowlers.

The seam movement off the Adelaide Oval wicket has been tricky for batters, with both top orders collapsing at times.

Speaking on Fox Cricket, Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough said the pitch preparation was the same as previous years but fell short of expectations.

“The biggest difference with this one is the grass variety,” Hough said.

“I put my hand up and say we probably haven’t quite got it perfect.

“We’re trying to find a contest between bat and ball. We want the players to shine. We want all facets to come out. I put my hand up and say we haven’t got this one quite right.

“I don’t think it’s the worst pitch ever to be played on but it’s just that inconsistency. I don’t like inconsistency early on especially on Days 1 and 2. We’ll keep tinkering with it and guarantee it’ll be better next year.”

Originally published as ‘Got to call that out’: Cricket civil war erupts over Adelaide Test snub