Today’s anniversary of Hughes’ death coincides with the start of the first day-night Test between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide – featuring a new pink ball, which can generate extra swing at night.
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Nearly 47 and half thousand people turned out at Adelaide Oval to watch the first day-night test match.
The format is definitely going to attract a lot of fans in the stadium and reportedly 40000 fans are expected to flock to witness the historic moment.
Much of the focus in the build-up to the Test has been on the pink ball – which has been used rarely in Australian first-class matches and which New Zealand has used only in practice games.
“The Adelaide Test match is always one of my favourites and to play it with a crowd like that definitely surprised a few boys”.
D’Costa said the situation could pose safety problems, especially with bowlers like Mitchell Starc, who clocked the fastest ball in Test history during the second Test in Perth.
Starc returned 3-24 before leaving the field with an ankle injury and heading to a hospital for scans, leaving Australia team masseur Grant Baldwin to fill in as a substitute fielder. “I think the crowds have rolled in”. But cricket in general, it was supported well here, and I’m sure it would have been on TV and all over the world.
The big left-armer claimed 3-24 and Peter Siddle the 200th wicket of his career as New Zealand struggled to come to terms with the pink ball.
Earlier in New Zealand’s first innings, Australia’s Mitchell Starc celebrates dismissing Kane Williamson LBW for 22 runs.
With a dozen wickets tumbling, the pink ball swinging seriously under lights and Australia’s leading paceman limping off injured, the opening day of the first day-night cricket test was as extraordinary as organizers could have hoped.
The Black Caps must win this match to square the series, with Australia up 1-0 heading into the Adelaide showpiece. “I think he got a couple of stitches in the back of his ear”.
“It doesn’t mean you can’t get runs, doesn’t mean you can’t survive and ensure that you’re there to bat the next day when the conditions will be easier”.
Australia, however, is yet to settle on the side for the third Test, with James Pattinson and Peter Siddle vying to replace Mitchell Johnson.
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Warner didn’t settle before edging Boult (1-15) to third slip, and Burns appeared uncomfortable before dragging a Doug Bracewell (1-6) delivery back onto his stumps.
