The Evolution of Test Cricket and the Pink Ball

• Test cricket has evolved since the early 1970s, with the longest Test lasting eight days.

• The first limited-overs international was born in 1971.

• The first men’s World Cup was played in England in 1975.

• The one-day version was assimilated into the cricketing ecosystem until the early 2000s.

• The guarantee of a result in a little over three hours, and the sight of the ball disappearing deep into the stands, instantly appealed to the masses.

• The 20-over game spread to India through the Indian Premier League and later to other variants like the T10 and the Hundred in England.

• The shiny pink ball with its pronounced black seam was an instant object of attraction, mystery, and intrigue.

• Only 23 Tests have been played with a pink ball in the last nine years.

• The pink ball retains its shine for longer due to multiple layers of lacquer.

• Australia’s perfect record in day-night Tests at the Oval was extended by a 10-wicket defeat of India.

• The match lasted over 14 and a half hours and ended before the first long break on the third afternoon.

• The pink ball comes with challenges, including depth perception issues and difficulties in sighting the pink ball against a white sightscreen.