What is the Difference Between Red Ball and Pink Ball in Test

What is the Difference between Red Ball and Pink Ball in Test Cricket?

Team India has been looking forward to the second test in Adelaide, after a commanding performance in Perth which led to a 295-run win over Australia. As the second test is in day and night format, a pink ball will be used which will add some challenges for players. So let’s take a look at What is the Difference Between Red Ball and Pink Ball in Test.

The match is anticipated to bring in exciting competition between the two cricketing powerhouses under the floodlights. With the pink ball being used, it adds its own set of challenges which the teams need to master. But, what are the differences between red and pink ball tests?

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Characteristics of Red and Pink Ball Test  

Red and Pink balls have their respective identity in test cricket. The primary difference however is the colour of the ball, which is known to behave depending on the conditions. The red ball is traditionally used in Test cricket, which is known for its durability and swing movement, especially in the early period of the game.  

A normal Test match is traditionally played from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM over five days. It retains its color and shine for a longer duration, which helps bowlers to extract more swing and seam movement throughout the first two days of play. As the match continues, the red ball begins to lose its color and hardness, leading to a slower movement. 

The pink ball was introduced for the day-night Test matches and behaves differently due to its design and color. The pink ball is coated with a fluorescent dye which makes it visible under artificial lights, allowing for better visibility during night sessions. In a day-night Test match, the match starts around 3:00 PM and usually finishes by 9:00 PM, extending the playing hours under the floodlights.  

The pink ball has a typical increase in the swing at night, because of its newer lacquer. The downside is, that it deteriorates faster than the red ball, which makes batting more challenging. The difference in the ball dynamics plays a major role in a team’s game plan for the match, which needs the players to adjust their strategies to adapt to the changing conditions.  

Can India overcome the challenges of the Pink ball?  

The Indian team has played just four pink-ball matches, winning three, but their last encounter against Australia ended in a tough 8-wicket defeat. The pink ball is generally heavier than the red one, with its weight it offers less swing and more challenges under the floodlights

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As India prepares for the Adelaide Test, players must be flexible to adapt to the pink ball’s behavior, which swings more in the evening and deteriorates quickly. The introduction of the pink ball has changed Test cricket, creating exciting challenges that will test both teams in this dynamic format.