Day/night Test matches with coloured balls soon to become reality

A day/night Test match is not something unimaginable anymore. Experiments in the past two years have proved that pink or orange balls are clearly visible under the lights in any stadium across the world.

After experimenting with the orange/pink balls, the ICC is mulling whether the new coloured balls can retain their colour for 80 overs or not.

In 2012, a pink ball with a black seam will be used throughout county championships to further test the innovation.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) General Manager (GM) Dave Richardson said, “This time next year, I hope we will be in a position, hopefully, to recommend it be used in a day-night Test match”.

Richardson is very confident about the upcoming five day Test matches.

On the other hand, the concept of One Dayers, be it a 50-over game, or, Twenty20, is proving to the most consistent form of cricket. The format has been the most popular as cricket lovers also seem more interested in the 50-over game.

As far as the cricketers are concerned, they still enjoy the Test format as they found it more satisfying and meaningful.

While talking to the media about the importance and need of Test matches, the ICC GM Richardson said, “I think Test cricket is pretty healthy in a number of countries. But I do think it affords the boards the opportunity to play Test cricket at times where more people are available to go and watch in the evening sessions”.

He added, “I also know commercially it can be valuable to play at those times of the day. The hours of six to nine in the evening are prime viewing time and they can charge more for the advertisements during that time”.

Although Test cricket has been played with white balls since it began way back in the 18th century, experiments have been with the colour of the ball in order to facilitate day/night Test cricket.

The Marylebone Cricket Club termed the pink ball experiment a success. However, ICC committee headed by former West Indian skipper, Clive Lloyd, said that more time was needed to test the ball in various conditions.