Why is pink ball used in day-night test, know its interesting story

You must have seen red balls a lot on the cricket field, but do you know why pink balls are used in day-night test matches? Actually, there is a very interesting science hidden behind this pink ball. Let us know why pink ball is considered best for day-night test match and what are its benefits.

Application of science in cricket

Science is used in sports around the world. Even in cricket, the attire that players wear is based on scientific reasons. For example, in ODI cricket players wear colored clothes and play with a white ball so that the ball is clearly visible. Similarly, in Test matches players wear white clothes and use red balls. The advantage of wearing white clothes is that they do not absorb much heat in sunlight and the ball is clearly visible.

How many balls are used in test cricket?

There are three types of balls used in Test cricket: Kookaburra, SG and Dukes. Different colored balls are used in each format. Earlier only red ball was used in test matches, but now pink ball is also being used. India played and won the day-night test against Bangladesh for the first time with pink ball on 22 November 2019.

difference between red and pink ball

The biggest difference between red and pink balls is in their processing. Red Ball leather is dyed and given a special treatment to make it shine. Whereas on the pink ball, a layer of pigment (dye) is applied to the leather, which makes it look different. The color of the red ball soaks into the leather, while the color of the pink ball forms a coating like paint on a car. The new pink ball swings more than the red ball because it has an extra coating of colour.

Why not a pink, orange or yellow ball?

The pink ball was first manufactured by the Kookaburra Company of Australia. Initially the color of the ball faded quickly, but after improvements this was made permanent. The company experimented with changing colors and ultimately found the pink ball to be best. A black thread was tied on it. Later green and white threads also started being used. The pink ball with which the Indian team played had a black thread.