Pink Ball in Day-Night Test Cricket
What is the pink ball? Why it was developed for day-night Tests, how it behaves differently from a red ball, and which matches use it.
The pink cricket ball was developed to enable Test cricket to be played under floodlights — in day-night Test matches that span both afternoon sunshine and evening artificial light. The pink colour is designed to be visible in both conditions, unlike the traditional red ball which is difficult to see under artificial lights.
Why Not Use a White Ball?
The white ball used in ODIs and T20Is was the obvious alternative for day-night Tests, but it wears very differently — it becomes discoloured quickly and does not produce the same Test-match swing and seam conditions. The pink ball was engineered to behave more like a red ball while remaining visible under lights.
How the Pink Ball Differs from Red
| Feature | Red ball | Pink ball |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Poor under artificial light | Good under artificial light |
| Swing | Conventional swing (new), reverse (old) | More swing under lights (atmospheric) |
| Durability | Wears predictably over 80 overs | Can deteriorate faster — paint chips |
| Seam | Prominent on new ball | Similar, some argue harder lacquer |
Day-Night Test History
The first day-night Test match was played between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide in November 2015. Uptake has been slow — only around 15% of Test matches use the pink ball — as some boards and players prefer traditional conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Do all countries use the same pink ball?
No — Kookaburra, Dukes, and SG all make pink balls. Different countries use different manufacturer's pink balls. The balls behave differently and not all brands are equal in durability or swing characteristics.
Is the pink ball used in ODIs or T20s?
No — ODIs and T20s use a white ball. The pink ball is specifically for day-night Test matches.