Kiwi batsman Kane Williamson looking forward to pink ball challenge

Christchurch, Oct 2 - New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson says they are looking forward to the challenge of playing in the first ever day-night cricket Test.

The Black Caps will be part of the first ever day-night Test match at the Adelaide Oval from November 27, the first to be played under lights and the first with a pink Kookaburra ball.

"I think it’s going to be different, it’s something that hasn’t been tried before," Williamson was quoted as saying by a sports website on Friday.

"It’s exciting to be one of the first teams to try (the pink ball) on the international stage. There’s a lot of unknowns but that’s what comes with an exciting opportunity."

The New Zealand Test squad will have an open wicket practice for two days in Hamilton next week, during which they will use the pink Kookaburra ball that will be in use for the third Test in Adelaide. 

It will be the first of a series of key warm-up games for the Black Caps, who will also play three tour matches in Canberra and Sydney ahead of the first Test in Brisbane on November 5.

The Black Caps have not won a trans-Tasman Test series since 1990 and Williamson said the Kiwis would not be taking Australia lightly, despite a recent series of retirements.

"There have been a few retirements, but there’s a reason why the Aussies are the best and it’s because they have got so much depth," the right-hander said.

"Particularly in that part of the world, it’s going to be tough, but that’s something the guys are all looking forward to," the 25-year-old added.

(IANS)