Australia and England to contest first day-night Ashes Test in 2017-18

Australia and England will contest the first ever day-night Ashes Test during the five-match series that begins at the end of 2017. The match at the Adelaide Oval will be the fourth to be played under floodlights but will be by far the most prestigious and high-profile evening Test to date,

Brisbane's the Gabba will host the opening Test on 23-27 November, before the day-night match in Adelaide on 2-6 December. The venue for the third test in Perth on 14-18 December is yet to be confirmed but could be the new $1.21bn [£715m,$906m] Perth Stadium if it is ready in time, rather than the Western Australian Cricket Ground. Then comes the traditional Boxing Day clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from 26-30 December.

The series will conclude at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 4-8 January. Australia will be attempting to win back the urn they relinquished when they were defeated 3-2 by England in 2015. Despite winning successive series against New Zealand, either side of beating the West Indies, heavy losses to Sri Lanka and then at home to South Africa have seen Steven Smith side's fortunes diminish.

England, meanwhile, have endured similarly traumatic fortunes, losing in the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan before wins in South Africa and then at home to Sri Lanka at the start of last summer. Pakistan claimed a 2-2 series draw before Alastair Cook's side drew with Bangladesh at the start of the winter. However, India have an unassailable 3-0 lead in the current series with one game remaining.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said: "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. 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."

Following the Test series, Australia and England will contest five one-day internationals before a triangular T20 series with New Zealand. Each side will play each other twice before the final at Eden Park on 21 February.