Due to dwindling attendances in Tests, the authorities have decided to experiment with Day-Night Tests in a bid to attract more spectators to the stadium. There has already been a Day-Night Test played between Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval and though there are still some issues to be sorted out, the experiment was a resounding success. The reason for a pink ball is that the red ball that is currently used in Tests is not ideal for visibility under lights. Therefore the colour of the ball that has to be used in Day-Night Tests is of paramount importance.

Studies have shown that the colour pink will be ideal as far as visibility of the ball is concerned. This is from the perspective of players, umpires and spectators. There are still some issues to be sorted out like the thickness of the seam and the duration that the ball will last. In the inaugural Test the amount of grass that was left on the pitch was more than normal to enable the pink ball to last at least 80 overs. Moreover, with a lot of grass on the pitch there is a danger of spinners being taken out of the game and the balance of the game shifting heavily in favour of the bowlers. On the plus side, the timings of the match will ensure that a lot of fans can come to the stadium after their day’s work and add to the atmosphere at the ground. These will result in increased attendances at the ground and revive interest in Test cricket which is currently at an all-time low due to Twenty20 cricket. If the issues regarding the seam and the grass on the pitch are addressed then this could be the way for the future.
The Wankhede Stadium which is the home ground of the ‘Mumbai Indians’ was one of the forerunners for the first Day-Night Test in India. It still remains in contention to host the first ever day night Test in India.

The Duleep Trophy is being played for the first time with the Pink Ball under lights and there as many as 9 players from the ‘Mumbai Indians’ playing in the tournament. Harbhajan Singh, the wily off-spinner from Punjab can use this tournament as a springboard to make a comeback to the Indian team. Fast bowlers, spinners and even batsmen might have to make adjustments to their game when playing with the pink ball. The upcoming tournament promises to be an interesting one for all concerned.