In brief
A bright start in Durban saw the first Test collapsed early each day as clouds thickened, wiping out over 60 overs. The ICC recently introduced a rule to play with a pink ball from the outset in anticipation of bad light, but without pre‑match agreement, the ball remained red and play was suspended. While proponents argue the pink ball could keep games running longer, critics cite visibility and fairness concerns. The rule, unused in many series, now faces scrutiny as the sport seeks a lasting solution to the age‑old problem of unexpected darkness.
A Cricketing Glitch: Bad Light, a New Rule, but No Change on the Field
On a bright morning in Durban, Test cricket was supposed to begin in sunshine, but clouds rolled in mid‑afternoon, silencing the game for more than 60 overs over three days.
The International Cricket Council introduced a rule last week that would allow teams to play with a pink ball from the start if they expected bad light later. With the night‑time ball already more visible after sunset, the pilot primarily aims to keep play going when visibility drops.
In Durban, no pre‑match agreement meant the pink ball was not used, so players had to pause when darkness set in. Cricket officials said no change to the ball could be made once play had started.
Historian and former bowler Shaun Pollock says the ball’s reputation for moving unpredictably still lingers. He has championed the pink ball’s use in day‑night Tests, arguing it would add to the duration of play and not penalise any side.
Yet some specialists argue that the pink ball is harder to read under certain lighting and that using it could disadvantage some teams.
With the new rule still unused in most series, it remains to be seen whether the ICC’s move will solve the long‑standing problem of bad light or simply add a new layer of debate.
