Richardson praises CA, NZC for playing historic day-night Test

ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): The International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive David Richardson on Thursday was all praise for Cricket Australia, New Zealand Cricket and their teams for having the vision to engage the historic day-night Test milestone for world
cricket.
He said the day-night Test between Australia and New Zealand is part of an overall package to invigorate the game. “I must compliment Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket and their teams for having the vision to engage in this historic milestone for world cricket. I am confident that, as players have adjusted to a myriad of changes within the international game over more than 100 years, they will adjust in this instance too, and, in doing so, play an important role in taking Test cricket to a new level. I wish them the best of
luck, said an ICC press release issued here.He said the success of the Adelaide Test will not mean that suddenly everyone will be expected or able to stage day-night Tests as
it is not a scenario that will suit every situation.
“But day-night Test cricket has the potential to be one way of
ensuring that cricket’s traditional format remains relevant in the
modern age and continues to thrive in the coming years,” he said.
Richardson said the reality is that Test cricket is faced with
challenges such as declining crowd attendances in some countries, as
well as issues of context and competition for attention from shorter
formats of the game,” said Richardson.
“Either we do nothing, and let the appetite for Test cricket die,
or deal with the problem head-on and with an innovative and proactive approach.
He said,”In relation to this, it has already been agreed to
introduce a Test Cricket Fund from next year which will assist countries with the costs associated with staging Test matches. A substantial
increase in the annual prize money for the number-one ranked Test side
has also been approved which will provide greater incentives and rewards
to the players in this format, and the ICC is currently looking at other
ways of creating more context and meaning to Test series.”
He said the fact that the ICC Intercontinental Cup, the first-class
tournament for the leading Associate and Affiliate teams, now offers a
pathway to Test cricket for the winning side of the latest edition has
the potential to add further to the story of Test cricket.
“The game is about the public, the people who turn up to watch
matches at the venues or who follow the matches on television, radio or
online. Strong attendances inspire the players to produce their best, exciting the fans and creating value for the broadcasters and sponsors.
I think day-night Test will assist with this process,” he said.