ADELAIDE historic day-night Test has rapidly become the hottest ticket of the summer in an emphatic endorsement of the pink ball revolution.

The third Test between Australia and New Zealand starting November 27 in Adelaide is a lucrative oasis in an otherwise barren summer for rival venues hosting the Black Caps then a hapless West Indies outfit.

Interest in the trans-Tasman clash threatens to upstage battle with the Old Enemy as pre-ticket sales are matching Ashes take-up.

SACA chief executive and pink ball pioneer Keith Bradshaw’s bold play to stage cricket’s inaugural day-night night Test has been backed by punters both sides of the Tasman.

“We can say that ticket sales for the day-night Test, have been very strong. Pre-sales are at Ashes level interest,” a Cricket Australia spokesman told The Advertiser.

media_camera NSW players Steve Smith, David Warner and Nathan Lyon training with the pink ball at the Adelaide Oval ahead of their Shield game against the Redbacks. Picture: Sarah Reed.

“Interstate and International visitors represent 65% of the total tickets sold to date including (with the majority of those tickets coming from Victoria, NSW and NZ)

“Given the strong interest in the Adelaide Test, fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets early rather than risk disappointment at the time of the match.”

The pink-ball held few fears for Test opener David Warner on return from a broken thumb, making 77 in last night’s Sheffield Shield opener at Adelaide Oval. Warner featured in a 120-run stand with Smith (67) before both were claimed by Redbacks skipper Travis Head.

“The ball held together quite well and better than the abrasive surface against New Zealand in Canberra so that is good signs. The seam was harder to see but I thought it played quite well,” said Smith.

“It is exciting if its bringing crowds and it brought 1000 to this Shield game which is the most I have seen in a long time, that’s the start and I am sure Test cricket will be no different,

Test speedster Starc had expressed serious reservations about day-night Test cricket and quality of the ball but rocked SA taking 2/1 last night. Starc copped a nasty head blow from Daniel Worrall in making 21 but the carry, bounce and visibility with the pink ball were given a thumbs up by players and 1000 spectators last night.

media_camera NSW players Steve Smith and David Warner looking at the pink ball with the umpire in the Adelaide Shield match. Picture: Sarah Reed.

While the pink ball Test will prove the high mark of the season, Melbourne and Sydney are forced to host Tests featuring a weak West Indies unit over the holiday period when there is likely to be more interest in the Big Bash League.

“We have always said that a day/night Test will make this form of the game more accessible for members and fans,” SACA chief executive Keith Bradshaw told The Advertiser.

“So far, strong ticket sales are reflecting this and we expect some fantastic crowds at Adelaide Oval across the five days.”

The players union has expressed concern about the durability of the pink ball but the day night Sheffield Shield opener in Adelaide between South Australia and a Test strength New South Wales appeared to progress without issue. Visibility was very good for the first session and shadows over the centre wicket didn’t impact in the second session. The pink ball carried and came off the bat in crisper fashion to earlier pink ball trials in Adelaide.

Cricket Australia and manufacturer Kookaburra have been collaborating for eight years on the introduction of a durable pink ball suitable for use in day night Test conditions.

However the pink-ball has currency where it counts. Fans will flock to Adelaide Oval’s day-night party with playing hours running expected to run from 2-9pm.

Originally published as SACA tickled pink by Test ticket sales