Why is Pink Ball is used for Day/Night Test?
- Test matches are played with a red ball. But in case of Day/Night Tests, because the natural light fades away and artificial lights come in effect a pink coloured ball is used.
- This is because a red ball takes on a brownish colour under yellow floodlights making it difficult to spot the ball against the colour of the pitch. The pink balls have better visibility and also deteriorate more slowly making it suitable for Test cricket.
Pink Ball Vs Red Ball:
- There is no difference in the core of the ball [inside quilt], which is made of cotswool and cork. There is also no difference in the manner in which we stitch the two balls. There is no difference in weight in either red, white or pink ball.
- The difference is that the red ball is stitched with a white thread while the pink ball is stitched with a black thread.
- Wax is used on the red ball which gives the red ball its cherry colour. But wax can’t be used on pink balls as it would turn the pink ball black. This is why, instead, a PU based coat [ball polish] is used on the pink ball which prevents abrasions on the ball and helps maintain its colour till 40 overs.
- The seam of the pink ball is more pronounced which is an equal mix of synthetic and linen. On the other hand, the seam on the red ball is entirely synthetic.
