Why are pink balls used instead of red in day-night Tests?

The first-ever pink-ball Test match was played between Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval in November 2015. The Aussies won the riveting low-scoring encounter by three wickets. While pink-ball Tests are few and far between, whenever they happen, they are met with a lot of interest from cricket enthusiasts.

Notably, a D/N Test is played with a pink leather ball. For Tests to be played under the lights, a Pink ball is used instead of the traditional red ball, leaving many confused.

There is a notion among a section of fans that the red ball is not being used in the day-night Tests. The main reason is that the pink balls are visible at night under the floodlights, unlike the red balls, which are less reflective. The red balls are not as clearly visible as much as they are during the daytime, which is why normally we witness the umpires calling off the day when the light goes down in the day Tests.

Pink balls, on the other hand, are bright and can be picked up under the lights, which makes it easy for the batsmen and the fielders to spot them. Further, the white balls can’t be used as they clash with the traditional white clothing.

Pink ball swings less during daytime

However, there are a few more challenges which the bowlers encounter while bowling with the pink ball. The ball tends to lose its shine after a few overs, which is why extra lacquer is applied to it. The curators also leave more grass on the surface. While it doesn’t swing much early, the shining pink ball livens up the action under the lights. The bowlers get a huge amount of swing, and batting in the third session is more challenging.

Teams have to keep these challenges in mind and make preparations beforehand, ahead of playing a pink-ball Test match.

One of the biggest benefits of having day-night Tests was the fact that more fans could turn up to the stadiums after office hours to enjoy the action. Each time a pink-ball Test is held, fans question why the ICC can't organise more such matches every year.