A pink ball test may be heading to Brisbane and Adelaide. GETTY IMAGES
Cricket "could have its first day-night Test series next summer" with Pakistan under consideration to play their two matches in Brisbane and Adelaide, according to Jon Pierik of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Having missed out on its traditional series opener against India this summer, Queensland Cricket is "keen to regain that coveted spot against Pakistan, and wants the contest played with a pink ball." The Gabba will host this week's first Test against Sri Lanka under lights, "coming at a time when the venue is under increasing pressure to deliver on Cricket Australia's expectations." India refused to play under lights in Adelaide this year, ending three straight years of successful pink-ball matches, but CA CEO Kevin Roberts has "made it clear he believes that venue should always host a day-night Test, adding to the festive feel." CA will host Pakistan next summer through November and December and then have three tests against New Zealand. Brisbane and Adelaide are "in pole position" to host Pakistan under lights -- which would be "welcomed" by TV broadcasters because the final session is held in prime time (SMH, 1/20).
NEW BID FOR TESTS: In Brisbane, Travis Meyn reported Queensland Cricket "launched a new bid" to bring the first test of the Australian summer back to the Gabba. High-level meetings will take place on day one of this week's day-night test match between Australia and Sri Lanka in Brisbane. Australia has not lost a test at the Gabba since '88 and Brisbane has become "the spiritual home of the first match of the summer." But the Gabba was "snubbed" of hosting one of the four blue chip tests between Australia and India following stadium upgrades in other states (COURIER MAIL, 1/20).
