Day-Night Test Cricket — How Pink Ball Tests Work
Day-night Tests use a pink ball under floodlights to attract evening audiences. Learn how they differ from traditional Tests and which conditions they create.
What Is a Day-Night Test?
A day-night Test is a Test match played under floodlights, using a pink cricket ball that is visible in artificial light. The match starts in the afternoon (typically 1–2 pm local time) and continues into the evening session under lights. This allows fans who work during the day to attend evening sessions, increasing attendance and television audiences.
The Pink Ball
The pink ball was developed because the traditional red ball is difficult to see under floodlights and the white ball (used in T20 and ODIs) does not behave the same way as a red ball — it doesn't swing or seam as prominently. The pink ball is coloured for visibility under artificial light while retaining (broadly) the properties of a red ball. However, the pink ball does behave differently: it swings more in the evening 'twilight' session and deteriorates at a different rate.
The Twilight Session Challenge
The most challenging period in a day-night Test is the 'twilight session' — approximately 5–7 pm — when natural light is fading but the floodlights have not yet become fully dominant. Visibility for batters is at its worst during this window, and the pink ball tends to swing most. Bowlers who win the toss and choose to bowl in this session have a significant advantage. Many day-night Tests have seen clusters of wickets in the twilight session.
History of Day-Night Tests
The first day-night Test match was played at Adelaide Oval in November 2015 — Australia vs New Zealand. The experiment was considered a commercial success, with large evening crowds and high television ratings. Since then, multiple nations have hosted day-night Tests, and the format has become a regular feature of the ICC's Test calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Does the pink ball swing more than the red ball?
Yes — particularly under lights in the evening session. The lacquer on the pink ball is different from the red ball's; it tends to produce more pronounced swing when conditions are right, and can swing in the evening session for longer than a red ball would swing in comparable conditions.
Do both teams use the same pink ball?
Yes — a single pink ball (with spares) is used by both teams across the innings. The fielding team maintains the condition of one side of the ball as in normal Test cricket. Pink balls are changed at 80 overs (same as red balls in Tests).