South Africa’s recently-retired all-format player Rassie van der Dussen has criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) over approving the trial of switching from red ball to pink ball before start of a Test that is likely to be affected by rain. Van der Dussen wonders who makes such decisions as there is a huge difference in how the two balls behave. He went on to say that ICC should do away with pink-ball Tests altogether.
“Who makes these decisions!?” Van der Dussen posted on X.
“Honestly [laughing emoji]
“There's a gulf between red and pink balls - ask anyone who's played with them.
They react and feel completely different.
“And while we're at it, stop day night/pink ball Tests altogether. It's just not the same!”
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The decision to switch from red ball to pink ball after agreement from both sides was taken in an attempt to reduce impact of bad light in Tests, making the format more result oriented. It would mean that day games will feature pink-ball games as well.
The experiment won't take place in the upcoming Test series between England and New Zealand which commences on June 4 at Lord's England. In addition, the ICC has said that it is undertaking research in lighting technology for match officials and venues to reduce time lost due to poor light. The world body will be co-funding the R&D project along with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
What happened in South Africa’s only pink-ball Test?
Since the introduction of pink-ball Tests, South Africa have played just one, dating back to 2016 when World Test Championship (WTC) didn't exist. In the Adelaide Day/Night Test, South Africa lost to Australia by seven wickets. The managed to set a target of 127 for hosts which was chased down already. For South Africa, former captain Faf du Plessis and Stephen Cook scored a century each.
Van der Dussen's Test record
The Pretoria-born batter made his Test debut in 2019. His last Test appearance was in 2022. From 18 Tests, he has scored 905 runs at an average of 30.16, featuring six fifties.