Published:
Former South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock has renewed his call for the pink ball to be used in traditional daytime Test matches when poor light threatens to interrupt play. His proposal has sparked debate over whether cricket should adapt its long-standing red-ball tradition to protect playing time.
Pollock’s comments came during the first Test between Australia and South Africa in Durban, where repeated bad-light interruptions reduced the number of overs bowled and raised concerns about the match losing time needed for a result.
Pollock believes the pink ball’s greater visibility could allow play to continue in conditions where a red ball becomes difficult to see. He has argued that the option should not be restricted exclusively to day-night Tests.
The former South African captain has also challenged the negative perceptions surrounding the pink ball, including concerns about its behaviour and influence on matches. In his view, teams should assess the option on its merits rather than reject it because of tradition or assumptions about how it performs.
The debate has gained urgency as bad light continues to affect the amount of cricket played in some Test matches.
The opening Test between Australia and South Africa in Durban provided a timely example of the issue. Poor light interrupted play during the match, with more than 60 overs reportedly lost across the first three days.
Australia built a strong position after posting 390 in their first innings, with Matt Renshaw scoring 190. South Africa replied with 284, before Australia declared their second innings at 314/6 and set the hosts a target of 421.
The interruptions created an additional challenge: even when one side is in a strong position, lost overs can reduce the time available to complete a result.
The International Cricket Council has introduced a trial that permits teams to use a pink ball in daytime Test matches by mutual agreement. The decision must be made before the match begins, and the selected ball colour must remain in use throughout the Test.
This means teams cannot start a match with a red ball and switch to pink when the light deteriorates. Both sides must agree in advance, which makes the proposal dependent on captains and teams being willing to adopt the option.
The trial creates a framework for testing whether the pink ball can reduce lost playing time without changing the match format into a day-night fixture.
Not everyone supports the change. Ashwell Prince, South Africa’s senior assistant coach, has argued that conventional Test cricket should continue to use the red ball outside day-night matches.
Prince has also pointed to the practical difficulty of securing agreement from both teams. Some sides have considerably more experience with pink-ball cricket than others, potentially making them reluctant to accept the change before an important match.
The disagreement reflects a broader question for the sport: how can cricket preserve the character of Test matches while adapting to conditions that prevent players from completing scheduled overs?
The ICC trial provides an opportunity for teams to consider the pink ball before daytime Tests where poor light is a foreseeable concern. Its impact will depend on whether teams agree to use it and whether it enables more play without creating other competitive concerns.
For now, Pollock’s proposal remains part of an active discussion rather than a universal requirement. The debate places the practical value of additional playing time alongside the traditions and competitive considerations associated with red-ball cricket.
India Today — Shaun Pollock pitches pink ball for day Tests to tackle bad light, sparks debate
https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/sports/cricket/story/shaun-pollock-pink-ball-solution-bad-light-test-cricket-3016218-2026-10-13
International Cricket Council — New ICC Playing Conditions Bring Key Changes Across Formats
https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/new-icc-playing-conditions-bring-key-changes-across-formats
Hindustan Times — Shaun Pollock calls for pink balls in daytime Tests as bad light threatens Australia's dominance against South Africa
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/shaun-pollock-calls-for-pink-balls-in-daytime-tests-as-bad-light-threatens-australias-dominance-against-south-africa-101791803066266.html
