Introduction of Pink Ball in Cricket

Context:

Science is used in almost every sport around the world. In cricket, the dress of players is also made
based on scientific reasons. In ODI cricket, players wear colored clothes and play with a white ball. The
reason behind this combination is that the ball should be visible clearly to the players. In the same way;
the players wear white clothes and play with a red ball in test matches, so that the ball may visible
clearly.

Then came current era of Day- Night Test Match. Problem was white and red colored balls were not
visible to both players and cameraman. Research began on how to make day-night Tests work. The ball
would need to be changed as red might be harder to spot under floodlights. There were experiments
with yellow, orange and pink balls

Till now, red-colored ball is used in the test matches but now the pink-colored ball is also used in test
matches. The Indian team had played and won its first test day-night test match with pink ball against
Bangladesh at Kolkata from 22 November 2019. This was also the first-ever day-night test on Indian soil.

Difference in Red and Pink Ball:

The main difference between the pink and red ball is the way leather is processed. The red ball has dyed
leather and some other processes are also done to shine it. On the other hand; the pink colour is
because of a pigment with which the leather is coated.

Initially, the Kookabura Company (who first made this ball) used orange and yellow colors in
manufacturing the ball. During its experiments; the cameramen were not able to see the yellow and
orange ball properly and they were having difficulty in covering the match.
That is the reason that the Kookabura company; decided to change the color of the ball and after the
successful experiments, it was changed to pink.

Finally, a pink-colored ball was made and stitched with black thread over it. However, the thread has
also been changed as green and white. The Indian team had played with a pink ball that was stitched
with black thread.

The first-ever day-night, pink-ball Test was played in Adelaide in November 2015. It turned out to be a
low-scoring thriller, with Australia beating New Zealand by just three wickets on day three. A survey of
Australian fans revealed 81% of them would like to see every Test at Adelaide have an afternoon start.
The Test also set an attendance record for a non-Ashes Test at the ground.

The potential of pink

Every pink-ball Test so far has had a result. The ball, which is said to swing a bit more, the greener
pitches required for pink-ball Tests, and the twilight period that tends to claim several wickets - possibly
due to the batsmen having to adapt from natural light to the floodlights - have all played a role.

Conclusion: Pink ball is mainly for day night test. The usage has shown better results in test match which
has led to more viewers on field. So, it is going to stay there.