Shaun Pollock, former South African captain, is calling on cricketing teams to re-evaluate their views on using the pink ball in traditional daylight Test matches, particularly where light can be problematic. Pollock, speaking as part of the ICC Cricket Committee and working as a commentator, believes teams should not fear the pink ball. Over the first three days of the current first Test between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead, approximately 45 overs have been lost due to poor lighting conditions.
“I’m not saying we should have switched to the pink ball and turned it into a day-night game,” Pollock expressed to the host broadcaster. “But using the pink ball for day games when light is an issue is sensible. It’s not irrelevant because the red ball restricts plays past bad-light time, whereas the pink one does not.”
In June, the ICC approved the potential shift from red to pink balls at Test match venues, with the consent of both captains, to mitigate the effect of losing play to inadequate light. Traditionally, the pink ball, known for its superior visibility in dim conditions or under artificial lights, has been reserved for day-night Tests and this option is yet to be trialled in a day Test scenario.
Reflecting further, Pollock remarked, “Imagine if this game determined entry to the World Test Championship final; if tied at one-all, would South Africa and Australia agree to use the pink ball to avoid losing 100 overs to bad light?”
Pollock acknowledged existing reservations, emphasizing stigma around the pink ball. “They say it moves excessively, but had Australia been 124 for 6 with the pink ball on day one in Durban, critics would blame the ball,” he noted. “And yet if they recovered to 390, the same people would claim the pink ball softens too quickly. However, it would have meant 45 additional overs of Test cricket, hence my support for its use.”
As Pollock concludes on the matter, he advises, “In a day game affected by light, don’t be scared to use the pink ball.”
