England announce boycott of day-night Ashes Tests in Australia

The England national cricket team has taken a clear position against playing any pink-ball, day-night Tests in the 2029-30 Ashes series in Australia. As per reports, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) informed Cricket Australia (CA) that they do not want to play pink-ball Test matches on future tours.

England suffered a loss in a day-night Test at the Gabba last month. They lost the match by eight wickets, which put them 2-0 behind in the Ashes series. England later lost the series 4-1. The result has become part of a wider debate about the Ashes, at a time when Test cricket faces growing pressure to change.

England Oppose Pink-Ball Tests in 2029-30 Ashes Despite 2027 MCG Exception

According to the BBC, the ECB used post-series discussions to state that it does not want another pink-ball Test included in the 2029-30 Ashes, even though the series is still more than three years away.

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Australia have hosted most day-night Tests since the format began. While both boards are reviewing ways to protect the Ashes’ standing as one of cricket’s marquee contests, England believe the series does not need floodlit Tests to retain its importance.

However, England and Australia will play a one-off day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027 to mark 150 years since the first Test match at the venue. Those plans were confirmed in August 2024, with England expected to play a warm-up match beforehand.

The decision to use a pink ball for that anniversary Test has divided opinion. It was reported that a former Australia player has raised concerns directly with Cricket Australia and urged a switch back to a traditional red-ball match.

Broadcasters Back Pink-Ball Tests, but Questions Remain Over Ashes Use

Broadcasters support pink-ball Tests because the timing suits TV viewers. The Brisbane Ashes Test drew higher television numbers than the matches in Perth and Adelaide. Cricket Australia does not have to schedule a pink-ball Test every season.

Australia will host eight Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand in 2026-27, and none of them will be day-night games.

The International Cricket Council approved day-night Tests in 2015 with the aim of attracting larger audiences and improving engagement. Australia have won 14 of the 25 day-night Tests played so far. In contrast, England have managed two wins from seven matches, with four defeats coming in Australia.

A Series Like This, Does It Need It? - Joe Root

On the eve of the Brisbane Test, Joe Root questioned the need for a pink-ball Test, though he accepted it can still be part of the schedule.

“A series like this, does it need it? I don't think so, but it doesn't mean it shouldn't be here either,” Root told Test Match Special.

On the field, the pink ball behaves much like the red ball in Australia. It does not change swing or seam movement for fast bowlers. The main challenge for batters is seeing the ball clearly under floodlights. Mitchell Starc has taken more wickets than any other player in day-night Tests.

Also read: England announce ‘BAN’ on unprofessional player activities after Harry Brook row, Ashes humiliation