Tests played under floodlights with a pink ball. Started in 2015 at Adelaide. Session timings adjusted — play starts later and continues into the evening.
Details
Day-night Tests use a pink cricket ball instead of the traditional red ball, with play beginning in the afternoon and continuing under floodlights into the evening.
Typical schedule: - Session 1: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Tea break: 4:00 PM - 4:40 PM - Session 2: 4:40 PM - 6:40 PM - Dinner break: 6:40 PM - 7:20 PM - Session 3: 7:20 PM - 9:20 PM
The pink ball was developed to be visible under floodlights (the red ball becomes difficult to see). However, the pink ball behaves differently — it tends to swing more and deteriorate faster. The twilight period (dusk) is particularly challenging for batsmen.
Day-night Tests were introduced to boost declining Test attendance by allowing fans to watch after work hours.
Historical Evolution
The first day-night Test was played between Australia and New Zealand at Adelaide Oval on November 27, 2015. Australia won by 3 wickets.
The concept was championed by Cricket Australia to reverse declining Test attendance. While it has been successful in Australia, other countries have been more cautious. India played their first day-night Test only in 2019, against Bangladesh at Kolkata.
Current Rule
Pink ball used. Play starts in afternoon, continues under lights. Same playing conditions as regular Tests otherwise.