Day-Night Test Cricket: The Pink Ball Revolution
Day-night Test cricket is played under floodlights using a pink ball, bringing Tests to prime-time audiences while creating unique challenges in the twilight period.
What Is a Day-Night Test Match?
A day-night Test is a Test match that starts in the afternoon and continues under floodlights into the evening and night, using a pink ball (visible under artificial lighting) rather than the traditional red ball. It was introduced to attract prime-time television audiences and increase attendances.
Why a Pink Ball?
The traditional red ball is difficult to see under floodlights, and the white ball used in limited-overs cricket deteriorates too quickly for a 5-day Test. The pink ball was developed as a compromise — it maintains the shape and hardness needed for Test cricket while being visible under artificial lighting.
The Twilight Period: Cricket's Most Dangerous Window
The most dramatic feature of day-night Tests is the 'twilight period' — typically around dusk when the ball is hardest to see as natural light fades but floodlights are not yet fully dominant. During this window, the ball moves considerably in the air and off the pitch, making batting extremely difficult.
How the Pink Ball Differs from Red and White Balls
| Ball | Format | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Red ball | Tests, first-class | Hard, swings early, takes rough on one side |
| Pink ball | Day-night Tests | Stays harder longer, swings more under lights |
| White ball | ODI, T20 | Softer, doesn't swing as much, easier to see |
Frequently asked questions
What is a day-night Test match?
A day-night Test is played partly under floodlights, starting in the afternoon and continuing into the evening, using a pink ball instead of the traditional red ball.
Why is a pink ball used in day-night Tests?
The red ball is hard to see under floodlights, and the white ball deteriorates too quickly for a 5-day match. The pink ball is visible under lights and maintains Test-match durability.
When was the first day-night Test played?
The first official day-night Test was played between Australia and New Zealand at Adelaide in November 2015.