Have a look at the red ball vs pink ball difference in test cricket
Recently, social media platforms are flooded with a question from the cricket enthusiasts who are anxiously searching the reason of Pink Ball’s introduction in the sport.
So, let’s find out together the meaning of Pink Ball and it’s reason of introduction in cricket.
As India and Australia gears up for a pink-ball test in Adelaide, social media platforms are buzzing with questions about the meaning of pink-ball introduction in the sport.
What is the difference between Pink Ball vs Red Ball in test matches, materials and thread used for day-night cricket
For the unfamiliar, in cricket the day-night test matches have become a regular feature and the introduction of the pink one is a pivotal key in the competition as the Pink ball have taken a center stage.
Day-night matches also known as floodlit cricket, bring a unique appeal to the sport, providing a novel experience to both cricket enthusiasts and players.
While the fundamental rules remain the same as traditional Tests, these matches feature adjusted breaks such as a tea break and a dinner break. These breaks takes place due to the late afternoon or evening start times.
Australia has never lost a pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval 👀
Predict who will win this time.? #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/HIfjGzMNuf
— Aussies Army🏏🦘 (@AussiesArmy) November 30, 2024
Reason Behind Pink Ball Introduction
These day-night tests usually used artificial lighting throughout the match, which make it harder for players for look for red ball as the ball struggles to maintain visibility during the artificial lights, especially as it wears down quickly and turns brown.
Due to this reason, the authorities introduced the Pink ball, which is the preferred choice of players as well as its enhanced visibility under floodlights and it’s design also ensures consistent visibility throughout the match.
Difference Between Pink & Red Ball
Typically, Red Ball is designed for optimal performance during the daylight but it becomes difficult to see under artificial light, as it wears out.
As compared to red ball, the Pink one retains its shine longer and remains more visible. It also has an additional lacquer coating, which allows the ball to swing more than the red one.
Due to its bright shine and additional coating, its easier for batters and fielders to track the ball in low-light conditions. The pink one is stitched with black thread, while the red one is stitched with white thread.
Due to the difference in stitching method, the pink one may reportedly swing more than the red one in earlier duration of the match. However, various reports indicates that the pink ball’s behavior may change as the match progress. Both the balls use the same cork though.
A red ball is used in day matches and a pink ball is used in day-night matches. There are three major manufacturers of cricket balls in the world – Duke, Sanspareil Greenlands (SG) and Kookaburra and each of them uses different seams for different coloured balls.
Can someone please explain the major difference between red, white, and pink cricket balls
byu/Hobzmarley inCricket