India to regularly play Day-Night Tests, says Ganguly
The BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, on Monday, confirmed that India will feature in a Day-Night Test later this year in Australia and host another such game in the following year when England visit for a five-match Test series. Kohli and his boys will be touring Australia for four Tests. Ganguly further added that Day-Night Tests will now be a regular feature. Here is more.
We have decided to a play a pink-ball Test: Ganguly
"A formal announcement will come soon but we have decided to play a Day-Night test in Australia," said Ganguly. "We will also play one against England at home next February. Day-night Tests will be a regular feature from now on."
India earlier resisted playing under lights
India refrained from playing the pink-ball Test until Ganguly took the charge. In 2018, India declined Cricket Australia's proposal of turning the series opener at Adelaide into a Day-Night spectacle. Although the concept was initially used in India during the 2016 edition of Duleep Trophy, Team India remained reluctant to play under lights. Notably, India played their first D/N Test against Bangladesh in 2019.
Difference between red and white ball
The biggest difference between the two balls is in terms of the leather, however the ball's core is same throughout. While the red ball is stitched with a white thread, the pink ball is stitched with a black thread. The pink ball gives the bowlers extra swing in the first hour. Also, the bowlers fetch more pace with the polish on it.
India's maiden pink ball Test was widely celebrated
India finally embraced the Day-Night concept last year in the final Test against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens. The high voltage clash turned out to be a huge success as the tickets for the first four days were sold out ahead of the match. However, the match was a one-sided affair and ended on Day 3 with India registering an innings victory.
India could host England in Ahmedabad next year
The officials have hinted that the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad is in line to host India's Day-Night fixture against England. It was decided at the BCCI's apex council meeting in Delhi on Sunday. Touted as the world's largest cricket stadium with a capacity of 1,10,000 people, the Sardar Patel Stadium will be inaugurated by the US President Donald Trump on February 24.
