Following the possible successful upgrading of floodlights at Sabina Park, Jamaica, Australia is scheduled to play its first-ever overseas Day-Night Test during their June–July tour of the West Indies. The last match of the three-Test series will feature a pink-ball battle, which Cricket West Indies (CWI) is convinced will be hosted. Following the West Indies’ historic triumph over Australia in the final Day-Night Test at the Gabba, the decision was made to schedule this match.
Prior to their first loss to the West Indies in January 2024, the Australians had already won 12 of their first 13 Day-Night Test matches, demonstrating their long-standing dominance of the pink-ball format. The host team’s undefeated streak under the lights came to an end when Shamar Joseph’s outstanding 7/68 in the last innings helped the visitors win by eight runs. The Caribbean team is hoping to duplicate their triumph this time, albeit under domestic circumstances.
The original plan called for the traditional red ball to be used for the first two Test matches in Barbados and Grenada, while the third and final Test match in Jamaica would be a day-night match, assuming the ground’s lighting upgrades are finished in time.
Inadequate facilities have caused Sabina Park, formerly one of the Caribbean’s top cricketing venues, to hold less international matches. The stadium’s problems, especially its antiquated lighting system, have been acknowledged by the Jamaica Cricket Association.
To address this, a government-funded project valued at JMD 75 million (AUD 763,000) aims to make sure the lights are up to par with international requirements for holding night sports. Cricket Australia (CA), meantime, is eager to face the Caribbean team in the historic Test and has expressed interest in playing in the Day-Night Test.
“We’re willing to consider it. We’re waiting for more details from Cricket West Indies regarding the new lights’ successful installation at Sabina Park. However, in Australia, we support teams playing day-night cricket once a season, so we are quite supportive when the chance to reciprocate arises. CWI and CA are in agreement to play the match as a day-night Test if the anticipated lighting requirements are fulfilled, according to Cricket Australia’s scheduling and operations manager Peter Roach, who spoke to cricket.com.au.
Chris Dehring, CEO of CWI, cited the worldwide audience and long-term commercial viability as reasons for planning a Day-Night Test.
“The Australians have decided to play the Test match during the day.
Naturally, it depends on Sabina Park’s new lighting system being completed on schedule and according to specifications. To assist the Jamaica Cricket Association and the Jamaican government in achieving this, we have put in place a robust monitoring and support system. The last time we defeated Australia, if I recall correctly, it was in a day-night Test match,” Dehring remarked.
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