Cricket Australia has firmly declared that day-night Test matches will remain a permanent fixture in future home Ashes series, directly countering recent scepticism voiced by England's veteran batsman Joe Root. The commitment comes as the Gabba prepares to host the second pink-ball Test of the current series starting this Thursday.
Root's Comments and CA's Firm Response
Following the England star's public questioning of the need for a day-night match in an Ashes series, CA's executive general manager of events and operations, Joel Morrison, provided a definitive rebuttal. Root stated on Sunday that he personally did not believe the historic contest required a pink-ball fixture, despite acknowledging its popularity and Australia's strong record in such matches.
Morrison was unequivocal in his response, emphasising the format's value. "A day-night Test in any home summer, including the Ashes ... is a great thing," Morrison said. He highlighted increased accessibility for fans, higher attendance, and the quality of cricket witnessed under lights as key reasons for its continuation. CA's preferred "recipe" of one day-night Test per home summer is set to continue indefinitely.
Future Plans and Venue Security
Looking ahead, CA has already locked in a significant day-night event: the Melbourne Cricket Ground will host a pink-ball Test against England in March 2027 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Test match. However, specific fixtures for summers beyond that, including the next home Ashes in 2029/30, are yet to be confirmed.
Discussions regarding the Gabba's future have progressed positively. Morrison confirmed talks with the Queensland Government to ensure Test cricket remains at the venue until its post-2032 Olympics demolition are "advancing really well." While the Gabba will not host a Test next summer during a reduced four-match schedule, it is slated to return in the 2027/28 season.
CA is confident the Gabba will also host Tests in the 2028/29 season, with the Queensland Government preferring it resumes its traditional role as the venue for the first Test of the summer from that point. Brisbane last held the opening Test in the 2021/22 Ashes, with Perth and Adelaide taking over since.
Long-Term Stadium Vision
Planning extends to the new Brisbane stadium, with a verbal agreement in place for it to host the first Test of the 2032/33 summer, assuming readiness for cricket. Morrison noted that decisions regarding which venue will host the first Test in the intervening summers have not been made. "Nothing's been decided beyond the current contracts that are in place," he stated, indicating there is no definitive timeline for those determinations.
Australia has been the world's leading advocate for day-night Test cricket since pioneering the concept at Adelaide Oval in 2015, having hosted 13 of the 24 global pink-ball Tests to date. CA's latest statements make it clear this enthusiasm will not wane for the Ashes, one of sport's greatest rivalries.
