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Shaun Pollock Urges Daytime Pink Balls to Cut Delays

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 10:17 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Former all-rounder Shaun Pollock urged teams to use pink balls in daytime Test matches.
He argued a pink ball could have added about 45 overs and cut interruptions in the Durban Test.
The Durban Test lost nearly 60 overs to bad light, bowing only 221 of 270 scheduled overs before day four.
ICC rules allow pink balls in daytime Tests if captains agree before the match.

History

Historical Context

In response to Shaun Pollock’s push for pink balls in South African daytime Tests, the idea traces back to the ICC’s 2012 approval of day-night Tests. The inaugural experiment unfolded on 27 November 2015 at Adelaide Oval, where Australia faced New Zealand in the first pink-ball Test. That match demonstrated the format’s potential to add overs and boost viewership, informing current proposals.

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Story summary

Former all-rounder Shaun Pollock urged teams to use pink balls in daytime Test matches.
He argued a pink ball could have added about 45 overs and cut interruptions in the Durban Test.
The Durban Test lost nearly 60 overs to bad light, bowing only 221 of 270 scheduled overs before day four.
ICC rules allow pink balls in daytime Tests if captains agree before the match.

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