After a lot of ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’, South Africa have finally agreed to play a day night pink ball Test against Australia in Adelaide this year.

Australia unveiled plans for day-night Tests against South Africa and Pakistan in April, but after a host of players expressed their concerns over the pink ball, the match’s future was in doubt. It is now confirmed for November 24-28.

“This announcement will further fuel the excitement about what promises to be a fascinating series between formidable rivals,” said Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland.

James Sutherland appreciated the South Africa board and players for agreeing to play the match. He also assured them of giving enough preparation before the series.

“I would like to acknowledge the open manner in which Cricket South Africa and the South African Cricketers Association have worked through this matter with us. We look forward to welcoming the South African players to Australia in late October and offering them the best possible preparation ahead of the series,” Sutherland said.

Cricket South Africa chief Haroon Lorgat said the decision was taken after “careful consideration” with players, who initially feared they would be disadvantaged by having no experience under pink ball conditions.

“Following careful consideration and engagement with all our Test players, and recognising the need to exploit the potential of playing day-night Test cricket, I am pleased to announce that we have agreed with Cricket Australia to proceed with this fixture,” he said in the same statement.

“Our Proteas were initially hesitant to play such a key Test match without previous experience and adequate preparation but after working through all their concerns and possible options to prepare sufficiently, there is new-found excitement for this novel Test match.

“Our players deserve credit for the way they have worked through the issues which were clearly not insignificant,” he added.