More pink-ball Tests on the cards, say Cricket Australia

Australia starts a two-test series in New Zealand on February 12, with the Twenty20 World Cup to follow in March.

Mystery surrounds how long Mitchell Starc will be sidelined for, with chief selector Rod Marsh expecting the Australian pace spearhead to miss next year’s tour of New Zealand. “The whole Test match was a great innovation, it was a great spectacle, and to get 120,000 people through the gates in three days is absolutely awesome”, said Australia’s Smith. To that end, a grassy pitch was specially prepared at Adelaide Oval to cushion the ball from the usual wear and tear, an unusual development in Australia where curators prepare their pitches with out fear or favour from authorities The outfield was also noticeably more lush, which slowed up shots that would normally have clattered into the fence. Cricket Australia had to refund fans who bought tickets to day four of the tes after it wrapped up in three.

Officials have been tickled pink by the reaction to the first day/night Test in Adelaide, with figures showing it was the match that stopped a nation.

Nearly as many (81 per cent) claimed that all Adelaide Tests should now be played under lights.

The old rivals took part in the historic encounter at the Adelaide Oval, which saw Australia wrap up a three-wicket success inside three days.

Batting records have been broken at will in this series.

Network Nine’s head of sport Steve Crawley was thrilled at the ratings and said that the concept of day-night Test cricket is here to stay.

Mitchell Starc, his summer already over with a stress fracture, hobbles out.

With fellow tailenders Nathan Lyon, who made a crucial 34 in the first dig, and Josh Hazlewood, who is no mug with the bat, watching on from the sheds, Channel Nine commentator Michael Slater asked: “Why is Starc out there ahead of Hazlewood and Lyon?”

Fellow commentator Michael Hussey also expressed his surprise that Starc was given the assignment of finishing the job.

“It’s meant to allow Tests to be played at night and it’s not meant to differ or change how Test cricket is played”, he said.

“He bowled like a genius”, Starc said. “The damage is done”.

“People are voting with their feet and I think it’s here to stay which is great”, McCullum told reporters on Sunday night after losing the final game of the three-Test series.

“He put his hand up, which is what he always does for the team”.

“You’ve got to think of the kid’s health”.

According to News.com.au, James Pattinson is likely to replace Starc for the first Test against West Indies, starting from December 10.