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Fans welcome day-night Test announcement

Majority of fans polled throw their support behind day-night Tests, but concerns still remain

The majority of Australia's cricket-loving public have thrown their support behind the concept of day-night Test cricket, which will be played for the first time later this year.

It was announced on Tuesday that the first ever day-night Test will be played between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide in November and December this year, the beginning of a new era in international cricket.

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The concept has been introduced in an attempt to increase crowd numbers and television ratings to the five-day game, with fans currently often unable to attend and watch Test cricket because matches are played during work and school hours.

While some uncertainty remains – particularly over the performance of the pink ball that will be used in Tests for the first time – 68 per cent of the more than 10,000 people polled by cricket.com.au said they support the concept.

Twenty-one per cent said they don't support the idea, while 11 per cent said they remained undecided.

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Cricket.com.au's Facebook and Twitter pages have been inundated with both positive and negative responses to the announcement, with most welcoming the decision but others raising their concerns.

Most negative comments come from self-confessed 'traditionalists', who are against making significant changes to a game that has enjoyed great success over its 138-year history.

Uncertainty remains amongst detractors about the visibility of the pink ball under lights, for players and spectators at the ground and those watching at home.

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But others have praised the ICC, Cricket Australia and Cricket New Zealand for boldly moving into a new era, with some comparing it to the successful introduction of white-ball cricket in the 1970s.

Fans of the concept have identified the drop in crowds at Test cricket, particularly outside Australia, as indication that the format needs to be open to brave new ideas as it looks to attract and retain new and young fans.

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