Pink Ball Cricket: Why Day-Night Tests Use a Different Ball
The pink ball was introduced for day-night Tests to improve visibility under lights — learn how it differs from the red and white balls, and why it changes the game.
Why Was the Pink Ball Introduced?
Day-night Test cricket — scheduled to overlap with evening viewing hours — required a ball visible in both daylight and under floodlights. The red ball, traditional in Tests, becomes very hard to see against the background sky as artificial lighting takes over. A white ball (used in limited-overs cricket) also becomes difficult to see under certain light conditions. The pink ball offers a contrast visible in both environments.
How the Pink Ball Differs
| Feature | Red Ball | Pink Ball | White Ball |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Test cricket | Day-night Tests | Limited-overs cricket |
| Durability | Lasts 80 overs | Lasts 80 overs | Changed each innings |
| Swing behaviour | Conventional + reverse swing | More pronounced early swing | Early swing, less reverse |
| Seam visibility | Good in daylight | Good in day and night | Visible but different |
| Surface maintenance | Red polish applied by fielders | Pink lacquer — harder to maintain | White polish |
The Pink Ball and Dew
One of the biggest factors in day-night Tests is dew — moisture that settles on the outfield during the evening session. The pink ball's lacquer absorbs dew differently to the red ball; fielders find it harder to maintain the ball's condition, which can reduce swing. The team batting second in a night session may benefit from the ball becoming easier to hit as dew coats it.
The Twilight Period
The most dangerous phase in a day-night Test is the twilight period — when it is transitioning from natural to artificial light. The light quality changes rapidly, making it harder for batters to see the ball. This period often produces a cluster of wickets as bowlers exploit the visual difficulty. Teams winning the toss must consider whether to expose their tail-end batters to this twilight window.
Frequently asked questions
Do all cricket boards use the same pink ball?
No. Different cricket boards use different manufacturers. The Kookaburra ball is used in Australia, India, and other nations; the Dukes ball in England. Each has different lacquer compositions and behaves slightly differently under lights.
Does the pink ball swing more than the red ball?
Evidence suggests the pink ball swings more in the first 20–30 overs — the lacquer creates more pronounced aerodynamic asymmetry early. However, it deteriorates faster and may offer less reverse swing later in the match.
Has the pink ball changed who wins the toss?
Yes. In day-night Tests, many captains prefer to bowl first — putting the opposition in under natural light when the ball swings most, and then batting in the night session when conditions ease. The twilight factor has made the toss decision more complex than in daytime Tests.