Pink Ball Test: What It Is and Why It Matters

Ever watched Test cricket under lights and wondered why the ball is pink? Pink ball Tests are day‑night Test matches played with a pink cricket ball so players — and viewers — can see it clearly during twilight and night sessions. The format was introduced to boost attendance and TV audiences, offering a different tactical test for teams used to the traditional red ball.

The first official pink ball day‑night Test took place in Adelaide in 2015. Since then, boards have used the format selectively to bring fresh interest to the longest format. Pink ball Tests keep the same rules as regular Tests, but the timing, conditions, and ball behavior change how teams plan their sessions.

How the pink ball behaves

The pink ball looks brighter, but it’s more than cosmetic. Manufacturers add extra lacquer to protect color and shine, and that lacquer affects swing. Early on, the ball can swing more under lights and during that twilight period. Later, the lacquer can make the ball skid and hold shape longer than a red ball, sometimes helping fast bowlers and making batting tricky in the second and third nights.

Visibility is better for TV viewers, but players face trade‑offs. The lacquer can make reverse swing less predictable, and the seam may wear differently depending on the pitch and ground conditions. Grounds with strong evening breezes can produce dramatic bowling spells as the pink ball can move sharply in the air during the darker sessions.

How strategies change in day‑night Tests

Captains and coaches adjust plans around the twilight session. Bowling attacks often open with their best quicks to target the evening swing, while batting sides might aim to survive the initial hours and score heavily in daylight. Toss decisions gain weight: choosing to bowl first under lights can pay off if the new pink ball swings a lot.

Fielding and wicketkeeping also shift. Catchers and slip fielders need to adapt to how the ball shines and flips under stadium lights. Night sessions can favor pace attacks early and spinners later, but teams that read the conditions win more often.

For groundskeepers, preparing the pitch and outfield to suit a longer evening schedule matters. Dew can be an issue in some locations, making the outfield faster and the ball harder to grip for bowlers.

Want to enjoy a pink ball Test? Time your viewing around the twilight session — that’s often when matches turn. Watch for swing, new‑ball bursts, and tactical bowling changes. If you’re going to a ground, pick seats with a clear view of the wicket under the floodlights, and bring a light jacket for cooler nights.

Pink ball Tests have added a fresh, tactical layer to Test cricket. They don’t replace red‑ball tradition but give fans memorable evening sessions and players new puzzles to solve. If you like intense sessions where conditions shift quickly, pink ball Tests are must‑watch.