New Zealand will hold their first-ever day-night Test in March 2018

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

The first-ever day-night Test to be held in New Zealand has been given the green light, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has confirmed.

The cricket board added that the historic event will take place when the Black Caps take on England in the first Test in Auckland on March 22.

With Eden Park’s successful application for resource consent from the Auckland Council, New Zealand’s summer at home will see a Test match be played under lights.

NZC’s chief operating officer Anthony Crummy expressed his delight about the fixture going ahead, saying that it will draw in a large crowd.

“NZC has a particular focus on improving access to cricket for everyone,” Crummy said. “Being able to stage the Test as a day-nighter is a significant step in the right direction.

“This means we can promote cricket in its most modern and vibrant incarnation; we can improve accessibility for new audiences, and we can showcase Eden Park, Auckland and New Zealand to a truly global audience.”

Five day-night Tests have been held thus far, with the inaugural one featuring Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide in November 2015.

The most recent day-night Test took place earlier this month when England clashed with the West Indies at Edgbaston. That match was historic as well since it was the first day-night Test to be held in England.

With Test cricket facing an uncertain future, Crummy hopes that day-night Tests are the answer to help revive the format.

“This a very important outcome for Test cricket lovers in New Zealand – simply because it allows us the opportunity to play the game at a time when more people can engage with it,” he said. “We’re sure it will be a very successful event, and that English and New Zealand fans alike will make the most of the opportunity.”

According to NZC, the hours of play during the day-night Test are expected to be from 2pm-4pm, 4.20pm-6.20pm and 7pm-9pm.