Pink ball an uncertain embrace for Aussies

Colour-blind opener Chris Rogers isn’t seeing red over the expected launch of day-night Test cricket this summer.

Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket are keen to push on with plans for a day-night fixture during the upcoming three-Test series.

CA chairman Wally Edwards and chief executive James Sutherland are in Barbados this week for the annual International Cricket Council conference.

They are hoping to settle the issue with New Zealand Cricket counterparts then and there, so the 2015-16 fixture can be announced soon.

Both boards remain supportive, however there’s been anything but a player push for the innovative fixture.

“I’d probably say uncertainty is the biggest word, but we all know this is the way of the future,” Rogers said.

“So you have to embrace it, I think that’s a given.

“If it works that’ll be fantastic.”

Rogers will end his Test career after the Ashes, but is well placed to comment.

The 37-year-old was rested from a Sheffield Shield fixture last year because pink balls were being trialled.

Rogers had previously struggled to view earlier incarnations of the pink ball.

“It’s still going to be very difficult I think for people like myself, with vision difficulties,” Rogers said.

“I don’t think it’s ideal, but if it’s the way of the future then you have to embrace it.”

CA conducted two rounds of pink-ball Shield trials last year, but few Test players were involved.

“I don’t think a lot of guys have had experience with it. I don’t think Michael Clarke has actually played in a pink-ball game,” Rogers said.

It’s understood CA will schedule a pink-ball round early in the 2015-16 Shield season, ensuring its brightest stars have a hit under lights.

The Black Caps have also been assured a tour game using the pink pill.

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