ACA urges Cricket Australia to get Pink Ball Tests right

9 June, 2016
The Australian Cricketers’ Association Chief Executive Alistair Nicholson has today urged Cricket Australia to ensure the conditions for pink ball cricket this summer are optimised in the name of producing high quality test cricket.

With South Africa now agreeing to play the Adelaide Test under pink ball conditions, Mr Nicholson has stressed the need for significant work to get this format right.

“The concerns of the players run deep, and with Alistair Cook’s comments we see they also run internationally,” Mr Nicholson said.

“When the best players in the world are all expressing concerns they must be listened to and their concerns must be addressed.

“The message from players all over the world is clear: ‘We want the best quality test cricket. To achieve this there is a lot of work to be done on the pink ball format.’

“Over the next five months Cricket Australia needs to invest time and money to develop the best quality ball and the best wicket so we get the highest quality of test cricket. That’s what the players want and the fans deserve."

Talking specifically about the reservations about playing Ashes Cricket with the pink ball, Mr Nicholson echoed the views of both captains, Steve Smith and Alistair Cook.

“As the issue stands the collective position on Ashes cricket is that it should be preserved as a red ball contest, and the two test captains are clearly expressing this view. With 140 years of high quality Test cricket between Australia and England we want to ensure that contest remains at the highest standard; the players and the fans expect this.

“Again the test is to get this format right first, before any consideration can be given to expansion."

© Australian Cricket Players Limited
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The Australian Cricketers’ Association acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.