First day-night Ashes test set for Adelaide as Gabba returns to opening slot
Cricket Australia expects massive crowds as old rivals meet under lights for the first time in a five-day game
Australia will host England at the Adelaide Oval in the first day-night Ashes test during the 2017-18 series, building on the success of the concept, Cricket Australia announced on Tuesday.
The series between the arch-rivals opens at the Gabba in Brisbane from November 23 before heading to Adelaide then Perth.
Melbourne hosts the traditional Boxing Day test with Sydney rounding it off, while England will also play five one-day internationals between January 14-28.
Adelaide hosted the first-ever test under lights using a pink ball last year and it was a roaring success, with record attendances for the clash against New Zealand.
Buoyed by the public reaction, the same venue was used for a day-night test against South Africa last month, while Australia face Pakistan under lights in the first test at Brisbane this week.
“We’re really excited to announce that Adelaide will play host to the first ever day-night Ashes test,” said Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland.