The Pink Ball: A Spectacle Worth Watching in Day-Night Tests

The pink ball in cricket might just be a visual treat, and it was certainly striking during the very first day-night Test between Australia and New Zealand in 2015. The players in white, the lush green field, and the Adelaide Oval bathed in grey were overshadowed only by the dramatic red sky. That historic match attracted an astounding 123,768 spectators and 3.19 million TV viewers by the final stages. The record for the highest first-day attendance at a renovated Adelaide Oval was set with 55,317 fans in attendance during an Ashes day-night Test in 2017—a figure that could well be surpassed when Australia faces India in the second Border-Gavaskar Test.

India's training on Tuesday drew significant attention, with crowds growing as the evening session progressed. While Australia's practice earlier in the day drew modest crowds, India's evening session was far more packed, spilling into the stands. It became clear which side the fans were supporting.

India Faces the Challenge of the Pink Ball in Adelaide

India's experience with day-night Tests has been limited, having only played four such matches, with their most recent one being nearly three years ago. In contrast, Australia is accustomed to the format, playing one every season, and they’ve been beaten only once. India’s task over the next few days is crucial to learning how the pink ball behaves, especially in front of a boisterous crowd. Despite the challenge, the fans added to the excitement, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved. As Rohit Sharma played a stunning pull shot during a practice session, the crowd cheered instinctively, perhaps even lifting his spirits.

Rohit's Preparation Under Scrutiny

Rohit Sharma, alongside Rishabh Pant, took to the nets a little ahead of schedule, focusing on refining his front-foot play against off-stump deliveries. His batting coach, Abhishek Nayar, gave him continuous feedback, praising his improvements. Later, the Indian team indulged in a light-hearted foot-volleyball game, showcasing their playful side before getting back to intense training. KL Rahul, meanwhile, had an intense moment when he was dismissed by Akash Deep, who impressed with his pace and movement off the pitch.

Intense Net Sessions in Adelaide

India's net sessions have been intense, with players responding aggressively to deliveries. In contrast to the defensive drills in Perth, this session featured high-quality stroke play. A highlight was the contest between Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Kohli faced some tight deliveries, including a perfectly timed back-foot punch that showed his focus and satisfaction with his form. Bumrah’s pink-ball movement had Pant beaten several times and caused Rohit to hurry for the first time in the session. With each passing day, it's becoming clear that Rohit’s performance could be pivotal in the outcome of this series.

India's Top-Order Uncertainty

India still has questions about their top-order composition, with no clarity yet on the batting lineup for the upcoming match. During practice, players were paired up for specific drills: Jaiswal with Rahul, Kohli with Gill, and Rohit with Pant. At one point, Kohli and Rahul faced spin together, while Jaiswal and Washington Sundar practiced with throwdowns. It’s likely that India won’t reveal their final playing XI until the toss, keeping both their fans and the Australians guessing.

This anticipation sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting day-night Test at Adelaide, where the pink ball will once again be a focal point, both visually and strategically.