ICC chief believes historic day-night Test can revive dwindling format

International Cricket Council chief executive David Richardson believes that the historic day-night Test match between Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval has the potential to revive the dwindling interest in the iconic longer format of the game.

According to him, the historic day-night Test with the pink ball is part of an overall package to invigorate Test cricket.

Speaking ahead of the first-ever day-night Test, Richardson said the game needed to understand the demands and expectations of both the fans and its key stakeholders, and Tests played into the evening session will provide an option to countries where Test cricket was facing attendance and commercial issues.

"The reality is that Test cricket is faced with challenges such as declining crowd attendances in some countries, as well as issues of context and competition for attention from shorter formats of the game," said Richardson.

"The ICC is currently looking at other ways of creating more context and meaning to Test series. On top of this, the fact that the ICC Intercontinental Cup, the first-class tournament for the leading Associate and Affiliate teams, now offers a pathway to Test cricket for the winning side of the latest edition has the potential to add further to the story of Test cricket.

"Bear in mind that the success of the Adelaide Test will not mean that suddenly everyone will be expected or able to stage day/night Tests as it is not a scenario that will suit every situation.

"But day/night Test cricket has the potential to be one way of ensuring that cricket's traditional format remains relevant in the modern age and continues to thrive in the coming years.

"The game is about the public, the people who turn up to watch matches at the venues or who follow the matches on television, radio or online. Strong attendances inspire the players to produce their best, exciting the fans and creating value for the broadcasters and sponsors. I think day-night Test will assist with this process," he said.