Miandad says no to night Test

Karachi (PTI): Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad on Sunday scoffed at Cricket Australia's plans to host a day-night Test against Pakistan in Adelaide in November next year.

"No we will not go with this idea as we don't support attempts to spoil the traditional nature of Test matches, which are still the heart and soul of cricket," Miandad told PTI.

According to a report in Sunday Telegraph, CA will soon seek International Cricket Council's approval for holding the match that will have a 1400 hrs (local time) start.

"Test cricket is our premium form of the game so why (not) play it at a time when most people can watch it? There's no doubt it will happen -- people can go after work and it's a cooler time of the day for spectators," CA chief executive James Sutherland was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

"The Olympics, the NRL and the AFL. Much of it is played at night because it's a more convenient time for viewers and fans," Sutherland had said. But Miandad sees problems galore to be faced by teams while playing under artificial and natural light.

"You can't expect teams to keep on adjusting to natural and artificial light over a period of five days. Having night matches for 50 overs and 20 overs is fine but I would advise the Australians not to tinker with the spirit of Test cricket," he said.

"Plans to have Test cricket under lights would not work. Neither will we support any such move," said Miandad, who has played top-level cricket for more than 20 years.

Warning the cricket boards to be careful with their efforts to further commercialise the game, he said, "We should not get too greedy. Having Twenty20 cricket is OK and it is a money spinner but please don't try to spoil the fun and competitive nature of Test cricket," he said.