New Zealand to stage inaugural pink-ball Test

New Zealand will host their first day-night Test match against England in Auckland next March, officials said Monday.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 19: England walk out to field after tea during day three of the 1st Investec Test between England and the West Indies at Edgbaston on August 19, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Day-night cricket Tests are becoming commonplace in the international calendar. Gareth Copley / Getty Images

Aug 28, 2017

New Zealand will host their first day-night Test match against England in Auckland next March, officials said Monday.

The pink-ball Test under lights had been pencilled in earlier this year to start on March 22 at Eden Park but needed consents from Auckland Council, which have now been granted.

New Zealand Cricket chief operating officer Anthony Crummy said the day-night schedule would make the Test more accessible for fans.

"NZC has a particular focus on improving access to cricket for everyone," he said.

"Being able to stage the Test as a day-nighter is a significant step in the right direction."

Another first for Eden Park. 📄👍🏼| https://t.co/mjZlaMPVCL pic.twitter.com/ziBCVgRRA0
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) August 28, 2017

New Zealand took part in the first day-night Test match against Australia in Adelaide in 2015.

England had their first experience of the format earlier this month when they thrashed the West Indies by an innings and 209 runs in the first Test at Edgbaston.