Day-night Test cricket continues to feature prominently in Australia’s long-term scheduling plans.
Cricket Australia still expects a pink-ball match to be included when England tour for the 2029–30 men’s Ashes series, despite speculation that the format could be excluded. Todd Greenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Australia, addressed the issue during an interview with SEN Radio held around preparations marking one year until the 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England, where he indicated that the governing body anticipates staging a day-night fixture as part of the contest.
Greenberg said England should still expect such a match during their next Ashes visit to Australia, stating, “That’s certainly our expectation, yes.”
Broadcast agreements reinforce role of day-night Tests in Australia
A key factor behind the continued use of pink-ball Tests is Cricket Australia’s broadcast agreement, which runs through to 2031 and includes provisions for at least one day-night Test each season.
Greenberg noted that the format has become an established part of Australia’s cricket calendar and that England have not formally sought its removal from the Ashes schedule. “They haven’t requested it (to be dropped). Pleasingly, we don’t play them here until 2029, so I’ve got a little bit of time to work this one out. It’s a part of our broadcast contracts. It’s clearly a big part of our summer (and) it clearly works here in this country,” Todd Greenberg, CEO of Cricket Australia, told SEN radio.
Cricket Australia has staged several day-night Tests in recent years, including a pink-ball Ashes match in Brisbane during the most recent home series, where Australia secured an eight-wicket victory. England’s record in day-night Tests on Australian soil remains challenging, having lost all four matches they have played under lights in the country.
Strong crowds and viewership continue to support pink-ball format
Cricket Australia also views the format as a valuable driver of both stadium attendance and television audiences.
Pointing to strong demand for tickets, Greenberg said the response from spectators demonstrates ongoing interest in day-night fixtures. “I think the ticket sales send us a very strong message that people will turn up,” Greenberg added.
He added that scheduling evening sessions also helps attract families and provides a more convenient viewing window for audiences in England. “It’s clearly a better time zone for those in England to be able to watch it on broadcast. It’s not school holidays at that period of time, so I am hoping that kids and families can finish their days at school and leave work early and be at the ground,” he stated.
While emphasising the advantages of the format, Greenberg acknowledged that pink-ball Tests are intended to complement traditional matches rather than replace them entirely. “I’m not suggesting for one minute that every Test match should be a pink ball game, but pink ball has a place to play in this country. Anyone who is against it just needs to look through the prism of we’ll have double the amount of people watching a particular session than we ordinarily do, and you can’t turn away from that,” he noted.
Historic 150th anniversary Test to be played under lights at the MCG
Beyond the next Ashes cycle, Cricket Australia is also preparing for a landmark occasion that will celebrate the long history of Test cricket between Australia and England.
The two sides are scheduled to meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027 for a one-off Test marking 150 years since the first match between the nations. The fixture will be staged as a day-night contest using the pink ball, a decision that has generated discussion given the historic nature of the event.
Greenberg described the format choice as part of the sport’s ongoing evolution while acknowledging the rivalry’s legacy. “It’s also a bit of a nod to say we’re at 150 years of Australia and England Test matches, and we’ve got to continue to challenge ourselves and evolve,” Greenberg said.
Cricket Australia is planning extensive celebrations around the anniversary match, including inviting players who participated in the 1977 Centenary Test as well as former captains from both sides.
Royal invitation and ceremonial planning for anniversary match
The governing body has also extended an invitation to King Charles to attend the commemorative fixture, echoing the presence of Queen Elizabeth during the Centenary Test nearly five decades ago.
However, organisers are mindful of scheduling ceremonial moments carefully during the match. Greenberg suggested that any royal presentation to players could take place earlier in the game rather than waiting until the final stages.
As Cricket Australia continues planning for both the anniversary match and the next Ashes series, the governing body’s leadership appears confident that pink-ball Test cricket will remain a defining element of the Australian summer schedule.
