Looking to maintain the importance of test cricket, ICC has approved a trial of day-night test cricket. During the ICC meeting in London it was said that the hurdle to day-night test cricket was finding a replacement for the traditional red ball that is very much visible under lights. 

The ICC will wait for the results of this experiment in first-class matches and then take a decision in early 2010 on an international trail. Former Australian wicket-keeper/batsman Adam Gilchrist has played such trial matches in the mid-1990s using fluorescent orange balls. He said that it created an inequitable contest.

He further said that test cricket should not be tampered with. The rules, customs, and playing conditions, like Major League Baseball, should remain as they have been for the past century or so. Cricket’s innovations should be applied to the shorter version of the game. The main hurdle for Gilchrist playing in the Sheffield Shield in Australia was the disparity in the matches. He said that it proved to be an unfair contest, especially for the batting side, which found it tougher to bat in the evening than in the afternoon.

Retractable lights have been installed recently at Lord’s for night cricket. The chances of this venue hosting the game would depend on the success of the trial.