Test Cricket: Pink balls to be trialled
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced, on 1 June 2026, that it is introducing a trial in which pink balls will be used to limit play which has been lost to bad light in Test matches.
However, the ICC has not yet announced when and for how long the trial would take place.
The pink ball has been used in day-night Test matches since 2015 but has not previously been interchangeable with the traditional red ball.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is working with the ICC to understand how the trial would operate in practice.
Both teams involved in a Test match have to give their prior agreement that a pink ball can be used in cases of bad light.
Stopping play in Test cricket, because of bad light, has become an increasing frustration not only for players, but also for supporters and broadcasters, when most venues have floodlights.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
