Australia's star opener Usman Khawaja said that using pink balls in Test cricket is not the solution to avoid interruptions caused by poor lighting. He mentioned that he would consider retiring if a permanent switch to pink balls is implemented in Test matches.
In the third Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 4, the game was stopped due to insufficient light. Interestingly, the umpires decided to end play without utilising a light metre, relying on their judgment, around 40 minutes before the onset of rain.
The choice caused dissatisfaction among cricket legends such as Michael Vaughan, who voiced his disapproval of frequent interruptions in Test cricket due to issues like bad light. The former England captain recommended using a pink ball to continue the game. This pause happened with Australia behind by 197 runs following Pakistan's first innings score of 313.
The occurrence revived discussions about incorporating the pink ball in Test matches to prevent interruptions due to inadequate light conditions. Supporters argue that the pink ball, being more visible in low light, could facilitate continuous play, thereby improving the overall viewing experience for spectators. However, Khawaja strongly opposed this idea, emphasising the unique identity of the red ball in Test cricket and its historical importance.
I'm retiring if a permanent switch is made to pink ball: Khawaja
As quoted by nine.com.au, the Australian batter stated that he would consider retiring if there was a permanent transition to the pink ball, expressing his belief that it is not the solution. Khawaja also contends that nothing behaves like the red ball when compared to its white and pink counterparts.
"If it is, I'm retiring," he said.
“I personally think it's not (the solution). The red ball is so distinct. I play white ball, I play pink ball, I play red ball and they all react so differently.”
"Nothing reacts like that red ball. How they make it, the dye they put on it."
“But I don't make those laws, I don't make those rules”, the 37-year-old concluded.
Australia break Pakistan's back on Day 3
Talking about Day 3's game, star speedster Josh Hazlewood's stellar bowling performance set Australia on course for a possible 3-0 series clean sweep, following his devastating triple-wicket maiden that broke Pakistani batters' back at the SCG on January 5, Friday. Pakistan concluded the day at 68/7, leading by 82 runs, in a dramatic Friday that saw 15 wickets fall and momentum swing between both teams. Despite needing to bat last on a deteriorating SCG pitch, Australia appear to be in a commanding position, especially after Hazlewood ended the day with remarkable bowling figures of 4/9.
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