Day-night games is the answer to countries that find it difficult to attract spectators to Test venues, asserts John Stephenson, head of cricket at Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
He insists it only “takes a leap of faith from two countries” for it to be played internationally.
Stephenson has been promoting day-night Tests, having been behind the pink ball idea for five years.
Australia, who trialled the pink ball in the domestic Sheffield Shield this month, announced they could play Tests under lights in 2015-16 against New Zealand following the backing of International Cricket Council (ICC) last year for what would be the first international day-night Test.
“Test cricket needs help to get good attendances in certain countries. I think it’s irrelevant for a country like England as they get very good attendances,” said Stephenson, whose MCC side is playing Durham with the pink ball at the Champion County match at Zayed Cricket Stadium.
“I would think West Indies-New Zealand game in Barbados maybe a good suggestion (to play) where there is no dew. It’s a place where there are good floodlights and local community will come out at night. Another possible venue is Hamilton or Napier. Even if it means it’s 3,000 people coming its good signs.
“But it has to be played at carefully selected venues with good floodlights and no dew.”
Stephenson is hopeful saying it’s only a matter of time before day-night internationals are introduced.
“If member countries want to play with the pink ball in a daynight Test they can. But it’s just about having a leap of faith from two countries to go ahead with it.”
Meanwhile, Durham were staring at defeat in the season curtainraiser against the MCC despite a century from opener Mark Stoneman (115).
The MCC, who were 48-2 at close, will begin the final day in Abu Dhabi needing 176 runs to claim victory with eight wickets in hand.
Durham were bowled out for 257 yesterday with only two batsmen scoring more than 15 runs.
