ADELAIDE: A successful debut for day-night test cricket in Adelaide this week could be "outstanding" for the game and the spark needed to reinvigorate the longest format, according to New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.

Australia and New Zealand face off at the Adelaide Oval under lights from Friday in a match that has piqued the interest of fans and cricketers across the world.

A number of the sport's top global officials will be among a bumper crowd expected during the opening days and Cricket Australia has already sounded out Pakistan's cricket board about holding a similar fixture next year.

Players from both teams have played practice matches under lights to get to grips with the pink ball, developed and tested for years for the purpose of day-night tests.

But in many ways, the game will be a leap into the unknown for both teams and their captains.

So players from other nations, including India captain Virat Kohli, have welcomed the Adelaide match as a potential watershed for the game.

Many will no doubt be glued to their television screens watching the batsmen grapple with the pink ball when the lights go on.

"I'm sure everyone's watching," Australia captain Steven Smith said.

"I think it's a really exciting concept I can't wait to get out and give it a crack."