SA cricket chief does not expect any backlash from ball-tampering affair to hit day-night Test
South Australian cricket chief Keith Bradshaw believes any fears of a backlash from the ball-tampering affair for Australia’s day-night Test against Pakistan are unfounded.
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Day-night Test cricket is slated for an Adelaide return next year but South Australian cricket boss Keith Bradshaw says fears of a ball-tampering backlash from fans in the Border-Gavaskar series opener are misplaced.
Day-night Tests – through improved accessibility for fans and broadcast viewers - boost interest in series particularly against lower profile sides. Adelaide is expected to host Pakistan in a day-night Test during late November next year. Pakistan will front for two Tests with New Zealand playing three in 2019-20.
“We are in negotiations and discussions at the moment Cricket Australia are with Pakistan so we are hopeful it would be a day-night Test next year to be confirmed,” Bradshaw told The Advertiser.
Australia defeated Pakistan in a day-night Test at the Gabba in December 2016. Pakistan hosted Sri Lanka and the West Indies in pink ball Tests in Dubai during 2016 and 2017 respectively.
“I think they are on board, not seeing any hurdles with that,” said Bradshaw.
Bradshaw says India’s refusal to play a day-night Test in Adelaide won’t stop the momentum and popularity of the innovative format. Last year’s inaugural day-night Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval broke the attendance record set during the infamous 1932-33 Bodyline series.
“I think we will see a few day night-Tests around next year. It makes commercial sense, good for the broadcasters, we are getting the fans come along,” said Bradshaw.
“One-day and Twenty20 cricket are all played at night and Test cricket will go the same way for the same reasons.”
Adelaide hosted the inaugural day-night Test in 2015 between Australia and New Zealand which was followed by South Africa and England. Bradshaw said it was “disappointing” India declined to play its inaugural pink-ball Test in Adelaide this summer.
However, SACA is expecting bumper crowds for Adelaide’s first traditional Test – starting Thursday - since India visited four years ago.
“I would fully expect we will break the aggregate numbers against India which are 113,000, shou;d smash that,” said Bradshaw.
South Australian batsman Travis Head’s maiden home Test and the allure of visiting skipper Virat Kohli – adored by Adelaide’s significant Indian community – will swell numbers.
“Kohli is an absolute superstar, really excited to have him here. I am sure Kohli alone will attract thousands and thousands of fans, Indians,” Bradshaw said.
Bradshaw and South Australian high performance manager Tim Nielsen moved to appoint Head South Australia’s youngest skipper aged 21 three years ago.
“I feel really proud, always saw Travis as a quality person and leader and that is one of the characteristics that has come through over the last few years,” said Bradshaw.
Originally published as SA cricket chief does not expect any backlash from ball-tampering affair to hit day-night Test
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