The South African cricketers' "refusal so far to agree to a day-night Test in Australia next summer remains a ball issue -- and not a financial play," according to Jon Pierik of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. South Africa Cricketers Association CEO Tony Irish said that he was "still consulting the Proteas' elite players" but this had been "difficult right now" while several took part in the Indian Premier League. Cricket Australia wants to "again have a day-night Test in Adelaide, where the Proteas have been scheduled to play the deciding match of the series in late November." Irish said that there was "still work to be done to convince the Proteas their concerns about the pink ball would be eased ahead of the blue-chip series of the summer." He said, "The concerns around the ball remain an issue and its not about financial incentive. The subject is still under discussion." Last summer's Test against New Zealand "lasted only three days after Australia's fast bowlers took charge." The Black Caps agreed to that match only after CA offered prizemoney of A$1M ($730,000) -- "with a 60-40 split between the winners and losers." CA CEO James Sutherland said that the "under-lights Test will almost certainly go ahead." He said, "At our end we're all systems go for Adelaide as a day-night Test match. We're still working through a couple of things with our South African colleagues and their players' association, but I'm very optimistic we'll get there" (SMH, 5/14).
