As the dust settles at the Gabba and another Day/Night Test Match delivers an incredible result, fans will be leaving Brisbane with a lasting memory of what will become known as a classic game in the modern era. If you were there then you’ll tell your kids, grandkids and anyone else who’ll listen; Australia vs Pakistan in December 2016 was a vintage Test.
This match had it all; a huge crowd, an electric atmosphere under floodlights and one of the most exciting finishes in the history of cricket at the Gabba. So you have to wonder; are Day/Night games the future of Test Match cricket?
Following Australia’s nail-biting 39-run victory over Pakistan in the fourth global edition of Day/Night Test cricket, debate is currently raging around Steve Smith’s on-field tactics and Pakistan’s brave battling resolve, but no-one is talking about the pink ball.
At some stage in the future, we will see a day-night Ashes Test here.
James Sutherland, Cricket Australia
Perhaps that’s because the scepticism around the issue has now started to wane, after some initial teething troubles the pink ball seems to be consistent and in some cases actually better than a red ball. It’s still early days of course, but the players seem to like it, cricket fans are excited by the new twist on Test cricket and most importantly those in charge of national governing bodies are all in favour of most Day/Night games. In short the pink ball is lighting up Test matches like never before.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, James Sutherland, Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer said; “We have seen fans vote with their feet to embrace the day-night concept in Queensland. We’ve managed to break the non-Ashes attendance record at the venue in just three days, and we’re looking forward to even more fans enjoying this fantastic spectacle. At some stage in the future, we will see a Day/Night Ashes Test here… but maybe not next year!”
When the opportunity arose for South Africa to play a Day/Night vs Australia the tourists were initially “not keen” to play a Day/Night Test cricket, primarily because they had never done it before. After some negotiation South Africa agreed to the fixture, after being assured of adequate preparation time. “When they said they changed the seam, made it black and it would have better visibility, things started changing,” Faf du Plessis said. “We just wanted to be part of something and not miss out and see what’s its all about.”
Fascinating analysis from @ShaneWarne and Mark Taylor taking a look at Nathan Lyon’s bowling plan over on the @Windows 10 Analyser #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/5UqBKRaqPS
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) 18 December 2016
Broadcasters have also taken a liking to the pink ball as the brightness and high contrast gives the camera handling team an easier track with the pink ball, making better than the red ball both during the day and under artificial lights. The knock on affect of this is better replays and more accurate umpiring decisions. Additionally at night with the visibility better, players feel high catches are easier to take with the pink ball than with the white ball.
Whatever your thoughts are on Day/Night Test cricket, for the time being looks here to stay and we can’t wait to see more of it.
Don’t miss out on UK’s first ever Day/Night Test Match
The UK’s first ever Day/Night Test Match will take place at Edgbaston on Thursday 17 – Monday 21 August when England return to their fortress to take on the West Indies. With an electric atmosphere, fancy dress and a huge range of fan activities, this historic match under the Edgbaston floodlights is a must see.
Tickets are on sale priced at just £6 for Under 16s and £26 for Adults
Click Here to Secure your Tickets
Alternatively you can call our Ticket Hotline on 0844 847 1902.
