Cricket fans in the Caribbean could be in for a treat this July as Sabina Park in Jamaica looks to host its first-ever day-night Test when Australia tours the West Indies. But there’s a catch—the historic pink-ball clash hinges on one key factor: floodlight upgrades.
A First for Sabina Park—If the Lights Are Ready
The third Test of the Australia-West Indies series is scheduled as a day-night match, with a 1:30 PM local time start. But since Sabina Park has never hosted a pink-ball international, everything depends on whether the stadium’s new lighting system is ready in time.
Cricket Australia has already given the green light for a day-night game, but their officials will visit Jamaica this month for a final inspection.
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“The Australians have agreed for it to be a day-night Test,” said Chris Dehring in a press conference. “It is, of course, subject to the new lighting system being finished in time and meeting the required specifications.”
Why the Delay? A Battle with the Lights
The upgrade hasn’t been smooth sailing. Originally, the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) planned to have the lights installed by January. But technical challenges caused delays.
JCA President Dr. Donovan Bennett explained the situation:
“We could have gotten cheaper lights from China, but they were too heavy for the existing stands. The wind forces on the pylons would have been a major issue.”
So, instead, they opted for lights from a manufacturer in England—but that choice led to delays. Now, with the clock ticking, Sabina Park is in a race against time.
A Lucky Omen for the Windies?
For the West Indies, playing Australia in a day-night Test might actually be a good sign.
Their last pink-ball Test against Australia ended in a stunning victory. At the Gabba in 2024, Shamar Joseph’s heroics led the Windies to their first-ever day-night Test win—and Australia’s first-ever loss in such a match.
Dehring was quick to point it out: “If memory serves me right, the last time we beat Australia, it was a day-night Test. Maybe it’s a good omen!”
Australia’s Rare Visit to the Caribbean
This series will kick off the 2025-2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Australia will arrive in the West Indies fresh from their WTC final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.
It will also be Australia’s first Test tour of the Caribbean since 2015. That series saw Steve Smith fall agonizingly short of a double century at Sabina Park, dismissed for 199 in a 277-run win.
Final Thoughts—Will It Happen?
A day-night Test at Sabina Park would be a historic moment for West Indies cricket. But with time running out, it all comes down to the floodlights.
If the upgrades are completed, fans could witness history in the making. If not, it’s back to traditional red-ball cricket under the Caribbean sun.
What do you think? Will Sabina Park be ready in time, or is this dream fading fast?
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