Think pink for day-night test, says Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland
Several players say they have had trouble seeing the ball during play, while others express concern that it lacks the endurance to survive the requisite 80 overs in tests
Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland has defended the use of the pink ball in the face of players' criticism and is adamant it will prove a success during the first day-night test match, in Adelaide later next month.
Several players, including Australia captain Steven Smith, have said they have had trouble seeing the ball during play, while others have expressed concern that it lacks the endurance to survive the requisite 80 overs in tests.
Sutherland has been a champion of the day-night test concept throughout years of development and testing, so the ball's failure to perform adequately in the test match against New Zealand would be a black eye for his board.
You can understand from that perspective there's a bit of trepidation. Our players just need to focus on what's ahead
The pink ball has been developed for day-night test cricket, replacing the traditional red ball which becomes too difficult for batsmen to see after dark.
White balls have long been used in limited-overs cricket because they can be seen at night but lack the endurance to perform for 80 overs in tests.
Sutherland said he was comfortable with the players' criticism, but also urged them to get behind the concept.