The International Cricket Council have backed the use of floodlights in Test cricket despite criticism from England after they were forced to field in the dark on the fourth day of the final Test in Auckland.

Under new ICC regulations allowing the use of floodlights, New Zealand took advantage of the Eden Park lights to establish a 311-run advantage after reaching 269 for nine at the close having refused the offer of bad light earlier in the innings.

Surrey left-hander Graham Thorpe claimed the lights did not help England in the field and insisted it was very difficult to see the red ball against the background of the stadium.

But Mark Harris, communications manager for the ICC, argued that although floodlights were not "perfect", they were of benefit to the game overall.

He told PA Sport: "Since the use of floodlights in Test cricket became at the discretion of umpires, more games have been started and more games have been given the chance to be completed.