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Four teams to tour Australia in the 2016-17 summer of cricket

Nathan Lyon sweeps the pink ball at the Adelaide Oval. (photo: AAP)
19th April, 2016
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Four, count ’em four, teams will tour Australia this summer of cricket, with Test series to be played against South Africa and Pakistan, and ODI series against New Zealand and Pakistan, and a Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka all to take place on Australian soil.

The two-Test series have had their dates set, but the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval is under threat, with South African players reportedly not ready to commit to the concept.

Tony Irish, the chief of South Africa’s Players’ Association, told News Corp the players weren’t willing to say yes to the idea of day-night cricket with a pink ball at this stage.

“Our players are not in favour of playing the game under those conditions,”

“The main reason is we feel disadvantaged. Not one of our players who will compete in that Test has played Test match cricket or any cricket with a pink ball.

“The reluctance to play is a sign of how much importance the South African players place on the series against Australia.”

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland expressed delight that fellow travellers Pakistan would play a day-night Test match with the pink ball at the Gabba in Brisbane, but said the Adelaide Oval game was a work in progress.

“We believe that Queensland’s climate really lends itself to Test cricket in day-night conditions, making for a great fan experience,” Sutherland said.

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“Pakistan should be applauded for committing to and supporting the day-night Test initiative

“Their current bowling line up will put our batsmen to the test and I have no doubt this will be their major strength in the series.

“Day-night Test cricket, combined with this attack, will promise fans an exciting spectacle and we look forward to seeing a packed Gabba to welcome them.”

He also took the opportunity to put the heat on South Africa about committing to the day-night game.

“There is enormous expectation that we deliver another pink-ball Test match this summer in Adelaide,” Sutherland said.

“Understandably, there is some concern from the South African players, but day-night Test cricket is all about the fans and a day-night match in Adelaide will be a bigger Test match crowd than the South African players will have ever experienced.”

Last year’s day-night Test at the revamped venue was a huge hit, despite only lasting three days, and Sutherland insists that pink ball cricket is a concept that needs the teams’ commitment.

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“The success of Adelaide last year demonstrates the huge potential the day-night format has in revitalising Test cricket all over the world, and it’s for that reason that it is our desire to stage another Test under lights at that venue.

“We believe that having the ability to move matches into the evenings provides cricket fans with greater access to the game, both at the ground and at home on TV, and there is no doubt that this will help grow interest in Test cricket.

A day-night Test would also be broadcast in more friendly hours for South African viewers, with a day time Test match beginning at 2am in the Republic.

On top of the three-Test series against South Africa and Pakistan, Australia will play a three-game One Day International series against New Zealand, in the middle, and a five-game series against Pakistan after the Sydney Test match. Sri Lanka will also be on our shores in mid February for a three-game Twenty20 series, starting on the 17th.

Notably the WACA will be the first venue to host a Test this summer, not the Gabba. Brisbane will get its chance for the first Test against Pakistan on 15 December.

Hobart also gets a Test match, while Canberra will host a one dayer against New Zealand.

Australia’s cricket fixtures for the 2016/17 summer

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2016 Test Series vs South Africa
3-7 November: WACA Ground, Perth
12–16 November: Blundstone Arena, Hobart
24–28 November: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

ODI Series vs New Zealand
4 December: SCG, Sydney
6 December: Manuka Oval, Canberra
9 December: MCG, Melbourne

2016/17 Test Series v Pakistan
15–19 December: Gabba, Brisbane (Confirmed as a Day-Night Test)
26–30 December: MCG, Melbourne
3–7 January: SCG, Sydney

ODI series vs Pakistan
13 January: Gabba, Brisbane
15 January: MCG, Melbourne
19 January: WACA, Perth
22 January: SCG, Sydney
26 January: Adelaide Oval,

Twenty20 Series vs Sri Lanka
17 February: venue TBD
19 February: venue TBD
22 February: venue TBD

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