After lengthy discussion, Adelaide Oval has been confirmed as the venue of the inaugural Day-Night Ashes Test next December.
The Test will take place from December 2-6, as the stadium tries to bolster its chances of hosting ongoing Day-Night Tests.
Brisbane regains its place as the season opener, while the Perth venue is yet to be confirmed, with the possibility the match could be played at the new Perth Burswood Stadium.
Following the five Ashes Test and a five-match one day series, the revamped summer also sees a triangular Twenty20 series between Australia, England and New Zealand, which begins with three matches in Australia, before heading to New Zealand for three further matches, before the final at Eden Park on February 21.
Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland says the later commencement of the summer will allow the Australian players a minimum of three Sheffield Shield games as preparation for the series, which is in stark contrast to the single game preparation prior to the South African series this summer, that was roundly criticised.
“We recognise how big the Ashes is for both home and travelling fans, and the early announcement of the schedule for this series will allow fans here in Australia and abroad to plan their Ashes summer,” he said.
“This schedule will allow for at least three Sheffield Shield matches to be completed as preparation prior to the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.
“The decision to start the international season in Brisbane, then moving to Adelaide, allows us to give Perth Stadium the best chance to host the Test match, so we can welcome an even bigger crowd to Perth next summer.
“We’re really excited to announce that Adelaide will play host to the first ever Day-Night Ashes Test. We know how much Adelaide fans love this style of Test cricket. We’re expecting a full house next year in what is sure to be a great contest.”
2017-18 SUMMER OF CRICKET SCHEDULE
ASHES
First Test – Australia v England, Gabba - 23-27 November 2017
Second Test – Australia v England, Adelaide Oval (day-night) - 2-6 December 2017
Third Test – Australia v England, Perth (venue TBC) - 14-18 December 2017
Fourth Test – Australia v England, MCG - 26-30 December 2017
Fifth Test – Australia v England, SCG - 4-8 January 2018
ODIS V ENGLAND
First ODI – Australia v England, MCG – 14 January 2018
Second ODI – Australia v England, Gabba – 19 January 2018
Third ODI – Australia v England, SCG – 21 January 2018
Fourth ODI – Australia v England, Adelaide Oval – 26 January 2018
Fifth ODI – Australia v England, Perth (venue TBC) – 28 January 2018
Prime Minister’s XI PM’s XI v England – Manuka Oval – 2 February 2018
T20I V NEW ZEALAND
First T20I – Australia v New Zealand, SCG – 3 February 2018
Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena – 7 February 2018
Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG – 10 February 2018
Fourth T20I – New Zealand v England, Wellington Stadium – 14 February 2018
Fifth T20I – New Zealand v Australia, Eden Park – 16 February 2018
Sixth T20I – New Zealand v England, Seddon Park – 18 February 2018
Final – TBC, Eden Park – 21 February