Optus Stadium will host Perth’s first day-night Test match when Australia takes on New Zealand under lights in December.

The Weekend West can reveal that despite previous misgivings of Cricket Australia chiefs because of time zone issues, the historic pink-ball showpiece will be announced this month.

The three-hour time difference with the key Sydney and Melbourne television markets means play could begin in Perth as early as 1pm, with stumps about 8pm local time or 11pm in the east.

Camera Icon An aerial view of Optus Stadium. Credit: AFL Media

The surprise development is understood to have the approval of broadcasters Channel 7 and Fox Sports, encouraged by strong late-night TV ratings for Big Bash League games in WA this summer.

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The Perth Test will be the first of a three-match series against the Kiwis.

Pakistan are due to tour in November for two Tests. Both series will be part of the new ICC World Test Championship.

Pakistan are also likely to feature at Optus Stadium in a Twenty20 international against Australia in November, less than a year out from the T20 World Cup.

WA Cricket Association chief executive Christina Matthews said yesterday the WACA was yet to receive confirmation from CA that their bid had been successful, but she predicted a pink-ball Test against New Zealand would attract a crowd of 100,000 across the first four days.

The first Optus Stadium Test match between Australia and India in December attracted 81,104 fans across five days.

Matthews believed the Burswood venue could prove Australia’s most spectacular setting for day-night Test cricket.

“To have the first day-night Test in Perth would be a significant historical achievement. Particularly because when they first started talking about day-nighters, Perth was dismissed as never being able to have one because of our time zone,” she said.

Camera Icon Optus Stadium and Matagarup Bridge are lit up. Credit: Getty Images

“To start a new era of Test cricket would be fantastic. The technology at Optus Stadium allows for a really good night time experience. So there’s a whole lot of entertainment elements that can go along with a day-night Test that you can’t do otherwise.

“I know it’s kind of the antithesis of Test cricket that you bring bells and whistles in, but the stadium gives us an opportunity to do slightly different things.”

A CA spokesman would not discuss the fixtures.

“The details of the 2019-20 schedule, including timings of matches, are still being finalised. We hope to be able to share the full international schedule within the next month,” he said.