The Border-Gavaskar Trophy enters a thrilling phase as India and Australia prepare for the much-anticipated Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval, starting December 6. The match promises to be a stern test for India, with Australia boasting an unblemished record in pink-ball matches at this iconic venue. Adding an edge to the contest is the lingering memory of India’s last Day-Night Test here in 2020, where they suffered a dramatic collapse, recording their lowest-ever Test total of 36 in the second innings, something they’ll be keen to avenge.
What is a pink ball Test?
A pink ball Test, unlike traditional red ball games, is played under floodlights and uses a pink cricket ball. The pink ball is used instead of the conventional red ball to ensure better visibility under artificial lighting. While the red ball becomes harder to track as the evening progresses, the pink ball, with its fluorescent coating, maintains its visibility, making it suitable for day-night matches.
Origin
The idea of using a pink ball for day-night Test matches was pioneered by cricket administrators to revive interest in the longest format of the game and make it more accessible for prime-time audiences. The innovation was spearheaded by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which conducted trials with pink balls as early as 2009. The ball itself underwent rigorous testing, particularly regarding durability and visibility, before being approved for international cricket.
The manufacturer Kookaburra played a key role in developing the pink ball, refining its coating and stitching to ensure it performed well under the distinct conditions of day-night Tests. After years of experimentation, the concept was embraced at the international level.
The first pink ball Test
The first-ever pink ball Test was played between Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval from November 27 to December 1, 2015. This historic match drew significant attention, with over 123,000 fans attending over the five days. The game ended in a thrilling finish, with Australia clinching a three-wicket victory, and it set the stage for more day-night Tests in the years to follow.
What’s different?
The pink ball behaves differently compared to the traditional red ball, offering more swing, especially during the twilight period. This “twilight zone” can be particularly challenging for batters as light transitions from natural to artificial. The lacquer coating on the pink ball also makes it slightly harder than the red ball, providing bowlers with extra assistance, especially for seam and swing movement.
Another challenge lies in maintaining the ball’s condition. Unlike the red ball, which players can shine with sweat, the pink ball’s fluorescent coating requires careful handling to avoid excessive wear and tear.
The day-night Test offers fans a fresh experience, combining the excitement of traditional Test cricket with the convenience of prime-time viewing.
India in Day-Night Tests
India first played a pink ball Test in 2019 against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Since then, they have participated in a handful of day-night Tests, with mixed results. However, Australia has been a dominant force in this format, boasting an unbeaten record in pink ball Tests.