New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Monday (28 August) that they will be hosting their first-ever day-night Test match in 2018.

The Kiwis will play under the floodlights in the first match of their two-Test series against England that takes place from 22 March at Eden Park in Auckland next year.

Read more Mark Stoneman hits maiden 50 as England take narrow lead over West Indies in fascinating second Test

The proposal for a day-night Test was approved by The Auckland Council following an application from Eden Park as the venue was previously not allowed to host matches under lights.

"NZC has a particular focus on improving access to cricket for everyone," New Zealand Cricket chief operating officer Anthony Crummy said, as quoted by CricBuzz. "Being able to stage the Test as a day-nighter is a significant step in the right direction.

"This means we can promote cricket in its most modern and vibrant incarnation; we can improve accessibility for new audiences, and we can showcase Eden Park, Auckland and New Zealand to a truly global audience."

There have only been five day-night Tests that have been staged so far, with Australia hosting the first-ever match when they took on New Zealand in late 2015.

Most recently, England hosted a day-night Test against West Indies in August in an event that saw 70,000 tickets sold over a three-day period, according to CricBuzz.

The major benefits of this format is that it is played at a time when more fans would be able to watch it live at venues while also attracting a larger TV audience, even if it might not be for everyone.

"This a very important outcome for Test cricket lovers in New Zealand – simply because it allows us the opportunity to play the game at a time when more people can engage with it," Crummy added.

"We're sure it will be a very successful event, and that English and New Zealand fans alike will make the most of the opportunity."