Post by : Maya Rahman

This week commemorates the tenth anniversary of Martin Guptill facing Mitchell Starc during the inaugural day-night Test at Adelaide Oval. The match was a gripping affair with key moments of tension, ultimately resulting in a three-wicket victory for Australia. It attracted large audiences and impressive television ratings, marking a significant shift in Test cricket.

The introduction of day-night Tests aimed to enhance stadium attendance and engage broadcasters. The concept first emerged in the early 2000s, with a staged match between England and Bangladesh intended for 2010, but it took an additional five years of negotiations and local trials for the format to launch. A substantial AU$1 million incentive prompted Australia and New Zealand to participate in the event's debut.

James Sutherland, the former CEO of Cricket Australia, was instrumental in promoting day-night Tests. Despite India’s initial hesitation regarding a pink-ball Test during their 2018-19 tour due to concerns over experience, Sutherland remained optimistic about its potential. India has since engaged in five day-night Tests, including two at Adelaide, while Australia has remained the leading host for over half of the 24 pink-ball matches played.

Joel Morrison from Cricket Australia emphasized the format’s success in Australia stems from favorable summer weather, top-notch stadiums, and sophisticated floodlighting systems. Investments in pink balls and pitch preparation have made day-night matches enjoyable. The unique setting of players in white under stadium lights, paired with large crowds and robust viewership, has established day-night Tests as a highlight of Australia’s cricketing summer.

Nonetheless, the format hasn't thrived universally. A 2017 Test at Edgbaston in England suffered from chilly evenings and declining attendance. Issues such as electricity shortages in South Africa, dew problems in India, and inadequate lighting in Sri Lanka's main venues have hindered success. Even New Zealand and the West Indies faced challenges due to environmental conditions.

Australian players have embraced the pink ball; Marnus Labuschagne boasts 958 runs and four centuries, while Mitchell Starc is the leading wicket-taker with 81 at an average of 17.08. Initially opposed to the format, Starc now considers it a “great product” in Adelaide, applauding its attraction to fans.

Generally favorable for bowlers, some day-night matches have concluded swiftly, such as India’s two-day victory over England in Ahmedabad and South Africa’s triumph against Zimbabwe in 2017. Memorable events at the Gabba, like Pakistan's near-record chase of 490 and the West Indies' discreet eight-run win against Australia, have kept the enthusiasm alive.

While day-night Tests haven't transformed global Test cricket as anticipated, Australia remains the bastion for this format. Strong fan enthusiasm, enhanced playing conditions, and legendary performances have firmly embedded pink-ball Tests in the Australian cricket summer.

Reaching this ten-year milestone celebrates the adaptation and entertainment day-night Tests have brought, ensuring a captivating experience for both players and spectators.

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