Pink ball: Adaptability will be an issue!

Raju Korti
The pink ball has brought a fresh dimension to Test cricket, introducing day-night fixtures into a format traditionally played under sunlight. However, as India struggles after being bowled out for 180 on the opening day of the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at Adelaide Oval, the question looms: are Indians bogged down by the unique challenges posed by the pink ball, particularly at a venue where Australia has never lost a day-night Test?

Test cricket's tradition of red balls and whites in daylight contrasts sharply with the vibrant world of limited-overs cricket, which uses white balls under floodlights. Enter the pink ball, designed to meet the visibility demands of day-night Test matches. Unlike the red ball, the pink ball offers better visibility under lights, and its seam presents distinct challenges to batsmen and bowlers alike. The sight screen colours—black for white balls and white for red and pink—underscore the game's reliance on contrast for precision.

The pink ball’s fluorescent coating ensures it remains visible under floodlights, addressing the issue of the white ball discolouring after 35 overs. Anecdotal evidence suggests the pink ball swings more under lights, benefitting fast-medium bowlers. Spinners also thrive as batsmen struggle to pick up the seam, complicating shot selection. The pink ball is harder to spot when coming flat off the bat, leading to potential fielding errors, especially square of the wicket.

India’s track record in pink-ball Tests is commendable, with three wins in four games. However, their sole loss, a heavy defeat at Adelaide in 2020, raises concerns about their adaptability under these unique conditions. Australia, by contrast, has made Adelaide Oval a fortress in day-night Tests, winning all seven matches played here since the format's inception. As I write this blog, that remains unchanged, unless the side resurrects itself the way it did in Perth defying all odds.

At Adelaide, the twilight session often turns into a graveyard shift for batsmen. The pink ball’s enhanced movement under lights poses a stiff challenge, as India experienced during their dramatic 36 all-out collapse in 2020. Captains like Steve Smith and Brendon McCullum have employed innovative tactics in day-night Tests, such as early declarations to allow their seamers to exploit the twilight advantage with a new ball.

The early overs with a new pink ball prove critical. As the ball ages, it becomes harder to spot and loses its effectiveness, testing bowlers' endurance and adaptability. Unlike Australia, India has limited exposure to the pink ball, especially overseas. The team will need to adjust quickly to Adelaide’s pitch, known for being a batting paradise during daylight but a bowler's ally at night.

Please also watch out for potential lapses in the field, particularly square of the wicket. Tactical innovations may also play a role, especially in managing twilight sessions. India's chances hinge on mitigating the pink ball’s challenges. Their batting unit caved in before they could counter Australia’s formidable seam attack during the night sessions. Moreover, fielding discipline and sharpness could make or break their game, given the visibility issues unique to the pink ball.

Adelaide’s history suggests a steep uphill battle, but India's recent success in day-night Tests offers hope. If they can leverage their experience and adapt to the conditions quickly, they may yet turn the tide in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s second Test.

The pink ball is not just a cricketing tool but a strategic disruptor, challenging conventions in Test cricket. For India, overcoming the psychological and physical hurdles it presents, especially in Australia’s fortress at Adelaide Oval, is paramount. Whether the team can rise to the occasion or falter under the floodlights remains to be seen -- but either way, this match is poised to be a thrilling spectacle of adaptation and strategy.