ICC boss David Morgan tips Australian night Tests

AUSTRALIA is "made for" day-night Test cricket, according to ICC boss David Morgan, who expects it will become a reality within the next two years.

Trials with a pink ball for use under floodlights are already underway with ICC officials determined to boost global interest levels in Test cricket amid declining attendances for the five-day game.

While Tests remain hugely popular in England and Wales, attendances have dropped elsewhere in the world, including Australia, prompting concerns about the future of cricket's oldest format.

Cricket Australia has indicated its willingness to experiment with day-night Test matches while Australian coach Tim Nielsen said this week it would be a "positive change" for cricket.

While next summer's Ashes series fixtures have already been finalised as day games, day-night trials at Sheffield Shield level are possible as early as next season, clearing the way for twilight Tests as soon as 2011.

Morgan said it made perfect sense for countries like Australia to stage matches at more "fan-friendly" times.

"If you look at a country like Australia with big stadia and very hot conditions, it's made for day-night Test cricket," Morgan said at a meeting of the Indian Journalists' Association in London.

"Eighteen months ago I wouldn't have been overly-enthusiastic about this, thinking of tradition and records.

"But Test cricket has changed over 130 years.

"I'd be surprised if we don't see day-night Test cricket within the next two years - surprised and disappointed.

"The ICC has recognised that in some countries Test cricket is not that popular in terms of people paying at the gate.

"We want to ensure Test cricket is as popular around world as it is in England.

"All 10 full board members at the ICC are switched on to improving Test cricket and its attendances."

Test cricket's pre-eminence as the ultimate form of the game has come under challenge from the growing popularity of one-day and Twenty20 internationals, especially on the subcontinent.

But Morgan was adamant Tests, in particular big series such as the Ashes, remained the premier form of cricket, both in sporting and commercial terms.

"At the ICC we regard Test cricket as the pinnacle of the game - it's the form cricketers seek to play," he said.

"The biggest events are the Ashes and India against Pakistan. They are the big earners and revenues in Test cricket are bigger.

"England against South Africa and South Africa against Australia are not far behind."

Plans for a Test world championship have also been discussed by the ICC - and supported by Cricket Australia - and although Morgan was wary of the term, he said a "context" was needed for Tests.

"In terms of each Test match having context beyond bilateral series, real progress could be made soon," he said.