It was an inauspicious start to the inaugural day/night Duleep Trophy match. A major floodlight malfunction grabbed more attention than the pink ball, which was making its first class debut. Yuvraj Singh’s India Red lasted only 48.2 overs as they were bowled out for 161, with Green's Sandeep Sharma grabbing 4 for 62.
The pink ball, though, played little role in the dismissals. It was poor application by the Red batsmen that saw them losing wickets at regular intervals. But the entire focus during the play was on the pink Kookaburra.
So, what did we learn about the pink ball? The good part of it was it held its shine during the 48 overs in the first innings.
Meanwhile, in a day/night pink ball trial match in Worcestershire, spinner Ben Twohig returned with figures of 5/61 in 22.1 overs against Warwickshire seconds.
Former cricketer and commentator Akash Chopra had some observations:
It'll keep this pink ball in a better stead...but that's also temporary. Extra coats must go anyway. >https://t.co/al4GwFXwXh
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) >August 24, 2016
Definitely green but also helping spinners. The thicker thread used for the Pink Ball doing its magic. >https://t.co/WUfWcrIuPJ
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) >August 23, 2016
An observation recorded by a sports journalist following the Worcestershire game:
Chat with a couple of the Worcs players about the pink ball. They like it mostly but as a batsman you can't see the seam at all
— Elizabeth Ammon (@legsidelizzy) >August 23, 2016
When you're playing well, does it matter?
Good start to the season,disappointed to miss out on a ton though.. >#duleeptrophy>#pinkball>#bargethedoor>https://t.co/THbzxrcBCB
— Abhinav mukund (@mukundabhinav) >August 23, 2016
Kookaburra group managing director Brett Elliot had said the >extra shine on the pink ball enhanced its visibility . “The visibility is massive especially when it is played under lights.” He also said the pink leather might not lose its colour fast.
But he was quick to add that the “the deterioration depends on how abrasive is the surface but the rate of deterioration is slower in case of the pink ball.”
On Tuesday, the outfield was anything but abrasive. So we might have to wait for a couple of more days before understanding its behaviour.
