NZ target day-night Test v England at Eden Park in 2018
New Zealand Cricket has announced a packed slate of fixtures for the following two home summers, which may include the country's first day-night Test against England at Eden Park in 2018
ESPNcricinfo staff
27-May-2016
New Zealand Cricket has announced a packed slate of fixtures for the following two home summers, which may include the country's first day-night Test against England at Eden Park in 2018. After going six years without hosting Australia for a bilateral tour, this summer will be the second of three consecutive seasons in which Australia will tour as a trio of Chappell-Hadlee ODIs will be held both in 2017 and 2018.
"The last couple of years has seen a significant rise in interest in cricket and I think the schedule we've locked in will help that interest continue to grow," NZC chief executive David White said. "There's some obvious highlights, with two more Chappell-Hadlee series at home, a three-match Test series against South Africa and the probability of a day-night Test against England at Eden Park. While we can't confirm it yet, it's something we're extremely interested in and working towards."
The entire 2016-17 home slate includes a total of seven Tests, 11 ODIS and four T20s against touring sides from Pakistan, Bangladesh and South Africa in addition to the Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia. The tour by South Africa to end the home season is the lengthiest with a total of nine fixtures starting with one T20I followed by five ODIs and three Test matches.
The season begins with a two-Test tour by Pakistan in Christchurch and Hamilton beginning on November 17. Bangladesh then follows with the first of three ODIs to be played on Boxing Day in Christchurch, as well as three T20Is and two Tests. The Chappell-Hadlee series will take place from January 30 before South Africa kick off their series at Eden Park in Auckland on February 17.
In addition to England and Australia, the 2017-18 season will also feature visits from West Indies and Pakistan. Three Tests, five ODIs and a T20I are scheduled against West Indies while Pakistan will follow their Test tour from this year by coming back in 2017 for a limited-overs tour with three T20Is and five ODIs scheduled.