New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) Cricket Australia has reiterated its dedication to hosting day-night Tests in upcoming home Ashes series, dismissing recent discussions initiated by England batsman Joe Root regarding the role of this format in the storied rivalry.

Pink-ball matches have become a staple of recent Ashes encounters on Australian turf, with the Gabba set to host the second Test of the current series under lights starting Thursday.

Recently, Root expressed doubts about the relevance of a pink-ball Test in the Ashes, stating, "Does a series like this really need it? I don't believe so."

Cricket Australia has already scheduled another pink-ball Test for March 2027 in Melbourne, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). However, no additional pink-ball fixtures have been confirmed for the next home Ashes, which will take place in the summer of 2029-30.

Australia is the most enthusiastic supporter of the pink-ball Test format, having hosted 13 out of the world's 24 day-night Tests since the first match in Adelaide in 2015.

"We believe that for any home summer, including the Ashes, a day-night Test enhances accessibility for fans, allowing more spectators to attend and more viewers to watch. We have witnessed some exceptional cricket under lights with the pink ball, and we definitely foresee its continuation," stated Joel Morrison, Cricket Australia's executive general manager of events and operations, as reported by The West Australian.

"We think that having one day-night Test every home summer is an effective strategy, and we are certainly planning for that to persist," he added.

Morrison mentioned that talks with the Queensland Government regarding the Gabba's role in the Test schedule ahead of its demolition are progressing well.

The Gabba will miss out on a Test next summer, with the December–January schedule being reduced from five matches to four, but it is expected to return to the rotation in the 2027–28 season. With the demolition planned post-2032 Olympics, Cricket Australia is optimistic that the Gabba will also host matches in the summer of 2028–29 before redevelopment begins.

"The Gabba is an excellent venue for Test cricket, and we expect to see that continue for many years to come," he stated.

Officials in Queensland are advocating for the Gabba to reclaim its historical role as the host of the opening Test starting from the 2028–29 season. Brisbane last held this honor during the 2021–22 Ashes, with Perth and Adelaide alternating as the opening venues since then, and this arrangement will continue until 2027–28.

Cricket Australia has an informal agreement that the new Brisbane stadium, set to be completed post-2032 Olympics, will host the inaugural Test of the 2032–33 summer, provided it is ready in time.

However, Morrison cautioned that no definitive choices have been made regarding which venues will kick off the season in the intervening years. "There are no decisions made beyond the current contracts in place," he remarked.