New Zealand rejects reports of pulling out from day-night Test in India

BCCI’s plans to host New Zealand for the Day-Night Test remain intact as New Zealand Cricket says its stance is unchanged after it was previously reported that the Island nation has concerns over the dew factor and ground conditions. In April, the BCCI decided that one match of a three-Test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair. Later, Kolkata’s Eden Gardens was zeroed in as the host of the event in October.

The latest reports out of India on Monday (Tuesday NZ time) claimed the BCCI had approached England about playing the first pink ball Test in India after the New Zealand national body were not comfortable doing so in Indian conditions.

An article published by the Indian Express said NZC had informed their Indian counterparts of the decision “a few weeks ago” and quoted “a top BCCI official” as confirming the news.

“The New Zealand board is not willing to play day-night Test as they are not comfortable with the Indian conditions,” the report said. There are various reasons, for instance, the dew factor and ground conditions. New Zealand played first day-night Test against Australia and players could not find batting and fielding easy at dusk.”

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The article added the BCCI had not had any confirmation of interest after contacting the England and Wales Cricket Board “a few days ago”, while it was also speculated Cricket Australia had been sounded out.

NZC said there was no truth to the latest reports on their position.

“NZC has taken the precaution of contacting the BCCI to advise statements in the article regarding a day/night Test are in no way representative of our position, and that no such comments have been made by our Board,” a NZC spokesperson said.

“The only comment NZC has made on the matter is that it’s supportive of the concept and that stance hasn’t changed.”

New Zealand were part of the world’s first pink ball test in Australia last November and after the match, the Black Caps players commented on the visibility of the ball once the Adelaide Oval floodlights took effect.

Last week, BCCI president Anurag Thakur told the Indian Express they would not be making a decision on hosting a day-night Test until after the pink ball was trialled at their domestic level in September. Dew and the effect the Indian pitches had on the ball would be a key focus, Thakur said.

“BCCI will take a final call only after considering the various issues that is playing conditions, visibility of the ball. Feedback from the players will be taken after the game.”

The Black Caps tour of India is scheduled for September 23 to October 30 and includes three Tests in Indore, Kanpur and Kolkata and five one-day internationals in Dharamsala, Delhi, Mohali, Ranchi and Visakhapatnam.