Huge cash for D/N Test

A blockbuster trans-Tasman seven-year deal and prize money of one million dollars convinced New Zealand Cricket to bow to Australia's wishes for a day-night test.

The deal, announced yesterday will reinvigorate the dormant Chappell-Hadlee Trophy and capitalise on New Zealand's new-found respect on the international scene.

As part of the deal, New Zealand Cricket has agreed to play the world's first day-night test under lights starting on November 27 at the Adelaide Oval.

New Zealand was initially opposed to the test, not wanting to be pink-ball guinea pigs, but the lure of guaranteed contact with the one of the best teams in the world over multiple years was too enticing to take a stiff position.

In a sweetener to players who have been cynical to the point of hostile about toying with the purity of test cricket, a $1 million prize pool will be put up for the three-test series in Australia.

New Zealand is guaranteed 10 test matches and eight Chappell-Hadlee series' (28 ODIs) during the seven-year period and that, ultimately, was the day-night selling point.

There will be at least two warm-up games under lights using a pink ball -- ahead of the historic third Test at Adelaide.