Cricket Australia firm on pink-ball Test in 2029-30 Ashes

March 11, 2026

Cricket Australia has reaffirmed its plan to include a day-night pink-ball Test in the 2029-30 Ashes series, despite debate and criticism from some players and experts. The decision was reiterated by CA chief executive Todd Greenberg, who said the format has become a major feature of the Australian summer schedule.

The Ashes series between Australia national cricket team and England national cricket team is one of the oldest and most prestigious rivalries in cricket. Introducing a pink-ball Test under lights has been part of Australia’s effort to modernise the format and attract larger audiences.

Debate over tradition vs modern format

The pink-ball day-night format has sparked debate among players and cricket officials. Some players from England have questioned whether such a format is necessary in a traditional series like the Ashes.

England batter Joe Root earlier suggested that while the format may be interesting, it is not essential for the Ashes, which already draws huge global attention.

However, Australian cricket authorities believe the innovation helps bring more spectators to stadiums and television screens by scheduling play in the evening hours.

Broadcast deals and commercial value

According to Cricket Australia officials, the pink-ball Test is also tied to their broadcast agreements, which require at least one day-night Test during each Australian summer.

These matches generally generate strong television ratings and attract fans who cannot attend daytime matches due to work or school commitments. Because of this commercial success, CA sees the format as a vital part of the modern Test calendar.

The board has therefore made it clear that a pink-ball Test will remain a key element of future home seasons.

England’s concerns and past results

England’s performance in pink-ball Tests in Australia has also fueled the debate. The team has struggled significantly in such matches, losing several day-night Tests during recent tours.

In the 2025-26 Ashes series, England faced a heavy defeat in a pink-ball Test in Brisbane, which intensified calls from some English officials to avoid the format in future tours.

Reports suggest that the England and Wales Cricket Board may prefer traditional red-ball daytime Tests for future Ashes contests.

Historic anniversary Test also under lights

Cricket Australia is also preparing for a special 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England scheduled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The historic match will also be played as a day-night pink-ball Test, marking a milestone in Test cricket history.

Officials expect huge crowds, with ticket demand already very high for the event.

Dialogue between boards expected

Despite differing opinions, Cricket Australia says discussions with the England cricket board will continue as the 2029-30 series approaches.

Greenberg stated that if England needs more preparation for pink-ball conditions, Australia is willing to arrange practice matches or other support to ensure competitive games.

For now, CA remains confident that at least one pink-ball Test will be played during the 2029-30 Ashes, maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation in the longest format of the game.