Hyderabad: Virat Kohli-led Team India is set to play the country's first-ever day-night Test starting Friday against Bangladesh. The second Test match between India and Bangladesh will be played by pink-ball rather than traditional red-ball.
It will be held in the iconic Eden Gardens stadium of Kolkata.
Ahead of the 2nd Test, here is everything you need to know about the pink-ball Test:
First day-night Test:
The world's first-ever day-night Test match was played between neighboring rivals Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval from November 27, 2015 to December 1, 2015. Australia went on to win the match by four wickets.
Interestingly, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had approved Day/Night Tests in 2012.
Why Pink Ball?
Traditionally Test cricket is played with a red ball. However, for day-night Test matches, pink ball are used as the natural light fades away and artificial lights come in effect in the night.
Under the yellow floodlights in the night, the red ball looks brownish. On the other hand, the pink ball have better visibility. And according to the reports, pink-ball deteriorates more slowly making it suitable for the longest format of the game.
Timings and Conditions:
India's first day-night Test starts at 1.00 PM IST and ends by 8.00 PM to counter the dew. The first break will be taken at 3:00 PM IST. The second session will resume at 3:40 PM IST and Tea will be taken at 5.40 PM. And the last session is scheduled to start at 6:00 PM IST.
Who said what:
"It is quite exciting, it is a new way to bring excitement to Test cricket." Indian skipper Virat Kohli.
"Pink-ball cricket indeed is the way forward," BCCI President Sourav Ganguly.
"Pink-ball Test is a good thing. We should try out different things to make Test cricket exciting." Former Indian international Yuvraj Singh.
"It is a nice concept, as people would be able to watch a day-night Test after their working hours. People can come in the evening and enjoy the game." Sachin Tendulkar.
