Published By: Sayan Guha

BGT 2024/25: Why Pink Rules the Nigh? The Ball Behind Day-Night Tests!

Credit: Cric-Mate

India and Australia gear up for a pink-ball Test in Adelaide, ushering in a colourful chapter in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy began with a bang, with India defeating Australia by 295 runs in the first Test at Perth. India knocked Australia out for 104 in their first innings, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, who took eight wickets across the innings. Along with Shubman Gill’s return, regular skipper Rohit Sharma’s arrival in Adelaide for the series boosts India’s confidence. The second Test, a day-night match under floodlights, will use the pink ball.

But why the pink ball? Let’s explore its significance in night cricket.

The birth of the pink revolution

Day-night Tests added an exciting twist to the usual approach. These matches, designed to attract greater audiences and interest viewers after work hours, required a ball that could adjust to changing lighting conditions.

The red ball, the emblem of Test cricket, struggled under the lights. As it wore down during play, it faded into brownish hues, making it nearly undetectable to batters, fielders, and spectators. Enter the pink ball, a vibrant, eye-catching alternative that permanently altered the game.

Why not yellow or Orange?

The pink ball was not the first option. Ball manufacturers first experimented with bright hues such as yellow and orange. While they were effective for fielders making high catches, they caused issues for batters. The bright colours merged into the background on dusty, brownish pitches, making them difficult to see.

Pink, on the other hand, managed to strike the correct equilibrium. It shone brightly against the ground and the sky while providing exceptional visibility under floodlights. After extensive testing, Pink was chosen as the day-night Test colour, beginning with the historic Australia-New Zealand match in Adelaide in 2015.

The science of shine: Red vs Pink

The pink ball varies from the red one, primarily in its finishing.

Extra lacquer coating: The pink ball has an extra lacquer coating for added sheen and visibility, resulting in more swing in early overs.

Durable pigment: Unlike the dyed red ball, the pink ball has a pigmented coating that keeps the colour brilliant throughout the play.

Seam colour: Pink balls have black or green stitching for increased contrast, whereas red balls have a white seam.

Playing with Pink: Challenges for players

The pink ball is more than simply a visual delight; it’s also a challenge for players.

Swing and seam: The lacquer covering allows the pink ball to move more freely in the air, especially under lights. Bowlers enjoy it, but what about batters? Not very much.

Spin troubles: Spinners frequently struggle to grab the pink ball’s extra-smooth surface, adding another element of intricacy.

India and the pink ball

India’s experience with the pink ball has had diverse results. They have won three of four day-night Tests, but memories of their lowest Test score—36 all out at Adelaide against Australia in 2020—cast a pall. This collapse reminds us of the unpredictable nature of pink-ball cricket. However, their impressive results at home against Bangladesh, England, and Sri Lanka demonstrate their versatility. As they return to Adelaide again for another pink-ball encounter, the combination of prior victory and tragedy reminds them that atonement is always possible.


Day-night Tests, with its pink ball appeal, are a contemporary take on cricket’s oldest format. They are here to stay, having been designed to draw the crowds and get results. For India and Australia, the second Test is more than simply another game; it’s a struggle to adapt and win under the lights.