The Pink Ball different from the red ball in cricket offers better visibility under lights, while the Red Ball is used in day matches. Cricket has changed in many ways, and one of those changes is the introduction of the pink ball. Day-night Test matches are now common, with the pink ball being a key part of these games. As India and Australia prepare for a pink-ball Test in Adelaide, people are discussing the differences between the traditional red ball and the newer pink ball.
The pink ball has unique features that make it different from the red ball, especially in how Test cricket is played under lights. Let’s look at these differences in detail.
Why is the pink ball used in day-night Tests?
Day-night Tests are a special type of cricket match that gives fans and players a new experience. The rules are the same as regular Tests, but the game starts in the evening, so there’s a tea break and a dinner break.
These matches use artificial lights, and the pink ball is chosen because it’s easier to see under the lights.
The red ball, used in daytime Tests, becomes harder to see under lights as it wears out and turns brown. The pink ball is designed to stay visible throughout the match.
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What are the differences between pink and red balls?
- Color: The pink ball is bright pink, while the red ball is deep red. The pink color helps players see the ball better at night.
- Visibility: Pink balls are easier to see under lights during day-night matches, unlike red balls, which are harder to spot at night.
- Shine: Pink balls are coated with an extra layer of lacquer to keep their shine longer than red balls.
- Behavior: Pink balls swing more under lights compared to red balls, which behave differently in natural daylight.
- Usage: Pink balls are used for day-night Test matches, while red balls are used in traditional day matches.
How are the seam and durability of pink and red balls different?
The pink ball is stitched with black thread, while the red ball is stitched with white thread. The pink ball also has an extra layer of coating to make it shinier and last longer. This extra coating makes the pink ball swing more, especially in the first few overs.
Manufacturer variations
Cricket balls are made by three main companies: SG, Dukes, and Kookaburra.
- SG balls are used in India.
- Dukes balls are common in England and the West Indies.
- Kookaburra balls are preferred in countries like Australia and others.
The stitching of these balls is different, which affects how long they last and how the seam behaves. SG and Dukes balls are fully hand-stitched, while Kookaburra balls are partly stitched by machine.
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