AUSTRALIA will host the first day-night Test of the summer against South Africa in Adelaide this November after sceptical Proteas players were promised dual pink-ball warm-ups.

A period of posturing back and forth across the Indian Ocean ended with Cricket South Africa today agreeing to play the third and final Test of the series against Australia under day-night conditions from November 24. The extent any of financial incentive offered for South Africa’s commitment is unclear but it’s understood Cricket Australia offered around $1m to secure Adelaide’s inaugural day-night Test between Australia and New Zealand last summer.

The Proteas are scheduled to arrive in Australia from mid-October and proceed immediately to Adelaide to play a two-day tour match under lights. Another two-day warm-up match at a venue to be confirmed under lights will allow further acclimatisation for pink ball novice South Africa.

Aerial photos of Adelaide Oval during the first ever day-night test cricket match between New Zealand and Australia. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe. Source: News Corp Australia

Proteas skipper AB de Villiers had raised concerns about the even contest between bat and ball in day-night Tests. Fronting for two day-night Tests in a summer also raised the ire of Australian players led by Australian opener David Warner and Test skipper Steve Smith.

Cricket South Africa Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat said: “Following careful consideration and engagement with all our Test players, and recognising the need to exploit the potential of playing day-night Test cricket, I am pleased to announce that we have agreed with Cricket Australia to proceed with this fixture.

“Our Proteas were initially hesitant to play such a key Test match without previous experience and adequate preparation but after working through all their concerns and possible options to prepare sufficiently, there is new-found excitement for this novel Test match. Our players deserve credit for the way they have worked through the issues which were clearly not insignificant.”

The Advertiser revealed in January that Adelaide would host its second day-night Test against South Africa this November as part of a multi-year arrangement with Cricket Australia.

South Australian Cricket Association’s pink ball planning never changed despite public resistance from South Africa and some Australian players — construed in some quarters as a cash grab — to playing a day-night Test in Adelaide.

Pakistan will square off against Australia in Brisbane’s pink ball debut from December 15 following Adelaide’s potential series decider featuring South Africa.

The infamous pink ball. Source: AFP

“Cricket fans will be delighted to hear the news that the third match of the Test series against South Africa will be played as a day-night match, particularly those planning to attend Adelaide Oval,” said Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland.

Extra grass cover was left on Adelaide’s inaugural day-night Test pitch hosting New Zealand last summer in front of 123,000 fans over three days.

SACA stands by head curator Damian Hough’s pitch and surrounds provided for the inaugural day-night Test between Australia and New Zealand. However ball manufacturer Kookaburra maintains its revised pink ball seam will allow improved visibility.

“Nearly 124,000 people attended the inaugural day-night Test match in Adelaide last year and there has been great anticipation about future day-night Tests since,” Sutherland said.

“It’s wonderful that the next one in Australia will be against South Africa. This announcement will further fuel the excitement about what promises to be a fascinating series between formidable rivals.”