Pink-ball Tests could be removed from future Ashes series after discussions between ECB and Cricket Australia, with England pushing for five traditional red-ball Tests.
Pink-ball Tests may not be played anymore in the future Ashes series after recent talks between the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia. International rules require approval from both boards to stage day-night matches. England now prefers returning to traditional red-ball matches.
Day-night Tests use a pink ball and take place under lights. Australia promoted these matches mainly to attract television audiences, especially on the East Coast. However, according to reports from Daily Mail, England believes the Ashes already generates enough interest without this format. The ECB also pointed to the strong crowd turnout during Australia’s 4-1 series win over England in the 2025-26 Ashes.
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Until now, 25 day-night Tests have been played since the format began in 2015. Four of those matches involved Australia and England in Australia, with the hosts winning all four. The pink ball often shows a stronger seam and behaves differently during the twilight period. As a result, many matches end within 2 or 3 days. Short games reduce broadcast value and create financial losses for boards.
Notably, the proposed change will not affect the special 150th anniversary Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March next year. That match will still use the pink ball. It could mark the final pink-ball Ashes contest.
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