ICC Trials Pink Ball as Substitute for Red Ball in Daytime Test Matches to Combat Bad Light

The International Cricket Council introduced a trial allowing pink balls to replace the traditional red ball in Test matches when bad light stops play. The governing body announced the change on Monday at its board meeting in Ahmedabad. Pink balls have been used in day-night Tests since 2015, but the new trial marks the first time they can substitute for red balls during standard daytime sessions.

Both teams must agree in advance before a pink ball can be introduced. The first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's begins on Thursday. BBC Sport sought clarification on whether the pink ball could be used in that match.

In 2024, more than half of the first day of England's third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval was lost to bad light. Halting play for poor visibility has become a recurring issue at venues equipped with floodlights. Former England captain Michael Vaughan said: "You go to a pink ball and carry on.

Teams will have to accept they get unlucky. " The ICC has not specified how long the trial will last. The organization said it will work with the Marylebone Cricket Club to research improved lighting technology for officials and venues.

There have been 25 day-night men's Tests since the first between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide 11 years ago. Only one day-night Test has taken place in England, when the home side beat West Indies at Edgbaston in 2017. Australia have won 14 of their 15 home day-night Tests under lights.

Day-night matches have featured in every Ashes series in Australia since 2017-18, with Australia winning all four. England are considering rejecting a day-night Test for their next Ashes tour in 2029-30. The 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England in Melbourne next March will be a day-nighter.

The same ICC board meeting approved allowing head coaches to enter the field during drinks breaks in T20 internationals. The governing body also expressed concern over the growing expanse of franchise cricket and said it would form a committee to harmonize international and franchise calendars.

Cricket Canada had its ICC membership suspended with immediate effect over serious breaches of its membership obligations.