In a view to target prime time television with day-night Test matches, the ICC have conducted trials in Pakistan, Abu Dhabi and Australia with the consensus that orange or pink are the leading options to replace the traditional red ball.
"The trials are aimed at determining the sighting qualities of the different coloured balls during day, twilight and night conditions as well as their colour retention ability," an ICC spokesman told The Australian.
"The tests are mostly positive with some reservations around batting in the twilight period," he added.
"On the face of it, it appears to make little difference as to whether the ball is pink or orange."
CA conducted their own tests with assistance from broadcaster Network Nine who held mock telecasts to trial a variety of colours. Peter Young, public affairs manager for CA, explained the findings as well the reason behind the national body's decision to hand over research responsibility to the ICC.
"The viewers got the best deal with the orange ball," said Young.
"That was the one that had the greatest clarity in the living rooms."
"We've bundled up all the work we have done and given it to the ICC. We gave them a bag of balls which they've taken away."
"It's not just an Australian issue. It's a global issue.
"Globally, most premium sport is played at night.
"Test cricket's our premium format but we play at least 60 per cent of it when people are at work or at school.
"We're playing our premium format at a time when people can't watch it. So the big challenge so far has been to develop a cricket ball suitable for day and night.
"You have to make sure one side doesn't get some sort of advantage over the other."
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