Pink ball Ashes Tests axed as England changes course on series preparations Down Under
Cricket Australia and England cricket bosses have reportedly agreed to axe day/night Tests from future Ashes series.
The talks between the two nations have also resulted in England having more preparation time when they return in 2029.
The team's lead in to last year's series was heavily criticised for only taking part in a three-day game against the England Lions at Perth's Lilac Hill.
READ MORE: 'Not to be messed with': Eels great applauds hardline stance
READ MORE: 'Truly precious': McAvaney pays tribute to Dennis Cometti
READ MORE: Truly horrific consequences faced by Matildas' brave opponents
The Daily Mail reports, England will be offered a first-class game in 2029 at either the WACA or Allan Border Field depending on if the series starts in Perth or Brisbane.
Australia will also play a first-class match against either the England Lions or a county team before the next series in England in 2027.
The series will also veer away from day/night Tests for the next series in Australia, in a move that will hurt broadcasters.
However, the format will stay when England plays Australia in the 150th anniversary Test, under lights with the pink ball at the MCG, next year.
Pink ball Tests are no longer part of the Ashes. Getty
That decision drew criticism because the celebratory Test match is not being played with a red ball during the day.
But Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive Todd Greenberg said the decision was made with the intention of drawing a packed out crowd in Melbourne.
"The 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG will be one of the great cricket events and playing under lights will be a fantastic way to celebrate both our game's rich heritage and Test cricket's modern evolution," he said.
Ben Stokes' men will change their preparations for next tour. Getty
"It will also help ensure more people are able to attend and watch what will be a fantastic occasion."
Pink ball Tests have been a regular down under since 2015 and have been a part of the last three Ashes series Down Under.
But the ECB aren't keen on playing in them on the Ashes schedule, and since both nations must agree to have the day/night Tests part of the series, Australia had to agree to the changes.
