Poll: Will the experiment of day-night Test cricket succeed?

The inaugural and experimental day-night Test will be played at Adelaide Oval with a pink Kookaburra ball in the third match of the ongoing series between Australia and New Zealand. The match begins on the 27th of November and will be keenly watched by fans across the world. CA’s chief executive James Sutherland has championed the concept of day-night Test for more than seven years and the match is expected to be a source of rich dividends for the host broadcaster Channel Nine, whose chief executive David Gyngell expects television ratings and advertising revenues far in excess of those offered for standard Test match days.

The views of the players in recent times about the experiment can best be summed up as a combination of apprehension and scepticism. While most agree that the concept of playing the longest format under lights is great in theory, there is uncertainty about the pink ball and its behaviour. All players rate Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport and there are concerns about the effects this experiment may have on it.

16 shades of pink have been tested to determine the ideal ball for inaugural day-night Test. Developed about 10 years ago, Kookaburra has tested different colours since past seven years and found the pink ball as the best fit for day-night cricket. It replaces the traditional red ball used for day Tests. Players, umpires and television cameramen have all provided feedback during the development of the ball. Colours like yellow and florescent orange were tried however were found difficult to pick by cameras and players alike.

Many players have voiced their concerns about the visibility and durability of the pink ball. Australia’s star fast bowler Mitchell Starc recently stated that the pink ball doesn’t react like the red one in terms and hardness. He mentioned that it becomes soft pretty quickly, unable to produce any reverse swing. The biggest concern raised by him though was about the visibility of the ball. Starc has mentioned that he could not see the ball at night on the boundary.

Players’ safety is clearly at stake and one hopes that the first day-night Test doesn’t witness any unfortunate incidents. Australian Test batsman Adam Voges also has raised doubt about the ball and mentioned that a 28-over ball appeared like 68-over old and did not hold up well at all.

Raising concerns that the day-night Test was being pushed by Cricket Australia rather than ICC, New Zealand cricket board has voiced concerns about the format along with its players however they could see the “bigger picture” benefits of regular cricket against Australia and ultimately reached the agreement to play this match.

ICC wants more people to attend Test matches and hence advocated the need to start day-night matches in the most demanding format of the game. What the governing body does not realize though is the fact that Test cricket is the purest form of cricket that should be played in the fairest conditions possible. A venue where due is a concern can never host a Test match as it will make for some sorry viewing and players will be frustrated, unable to grip the ball properly. One can only imagine the kind of time it may take to complete overs in this scenario.

If ICC is so concerned about crowd attendances it should take the game away from big cities and take it to the interiors where fans hardly get to watch international stars in actions. Test cricket creates enough revenue for the home boards with broadcasting rights while the shorter formats of the game continue to be a great success. Why experiment with something which clearly seems to be against the rich tradition of Test cricket and put the players’ safety at risk when you have a format which is adored by fans and players around the world.

People who want to watch only the shorter formats will continue to do so and will hardly get attracted to Tests just because it will be played under lights. Test cricket fans are loyal to the game and will continue to be hence this experiment does not make much sense and may not succeed. When top class players are voicing their concerns about the ball, it is safe to say that the timing of this concept has huge question marks hanging over it.

Only time will tell if this experiment succeeds, however, the charm and legacy of Test cricket are definitely being compromised by playing under lights. There are few sights as good as the start of a Test match on a beautiful morning and the anticipation of the 3 sessions of play. We’d like to know from fans whether they feel day-night cricket will find success or otherwise.

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