Eden Park is linked to some of the biggest moments in the history of New Zealand sport.
Next March the storied Auckland venue is set for another historic moment. The BLACKCAPS will face up against England in the first ever day-night Test played in New Zealand from Thursday March 22 to Monday March 26.
Eden Park has been the scene of some of the most important moments in our cricket history from our first Test win in 1956 to the BLACKCAPS first ever World Cup semi-final triumph on that unforgettable night in 2015.
Now we get set to write another chapter at the ground with day-night cricket ushering in a new era for cricket in New Zealand.
With pink ball day-night Tests having already been played in Australia, England and the United Arab Emirates it’s now Auckland’s turn for history.
The pink ball brings a new challenge to cricket’s oldest format, with the Tests played so far proving highly competitive contests. Playing and using the brightly coloured ball under lights has been a special watching point in the matches so far.
Day-night Tests have also seen different and unusual tactics employed by sides as they attempt to adapt the unique quirks of the format. Keep your eyes on the match - it is a format that moves at pace!
Eden Park hosted a day-night Plunket Shield match last season and the ground is now ready to step-up to a new challenge.
The day-night time slot means a whole new schedule for the day, no longer is there the need to get out of work or school! The day will just be beginning when you are ready to head to the ground.
Forget the standard hours for Test match play, the day-night test has session times all of its own.
Play starts with a two-hour session from 2pm before a twenty break for Tea at 4pm.
The players then return to the field for another two-hour session from 4:20pm until breaking for dinner at 6:20pm.
In the short history so far of day-night Tests the middle session has been a challenging one for players as the shifting light conditions demand adaptation from batsmen and bowlers.
The final session post the 40 minute dinner break runs from 7pm to 9pm.
