Shaun Pollock wants pink ball in all-day Tests, not just day-night games

Shaun Pollock feels there is a ‘stigma’ around the pink ball. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Former South Africa fast bowler Shaun Pollock believes the pink ball should be introduced in all Test matches, not just day-night games, arguing that it could increase playing time and help counter the loss of overs to poor light.

Pollock, who was part of the ICC committee that recommended the change to the pink ball, said the ball carried an unfair stigma in cricket, with teams often blaming it for batting collapses or changes in playing conditions.

“They say it moves too much,” Pollock said.

“If Australia were 124-6 [as they were on day one] and we were using the pink ball, everyone would have said it was the pink ball’s fault.

“If Australia were 124-6 and got to 390 [as they did in their first innings], everyone in South Africa would have said it was the pink ball’s fault, that it got soft.

“The pink ball would have meant we played 45 more overs of Test cricket and that is why I am keen to introduce it, and not just for day-night games.”

Following a trial earlier in the year, the International Cricket Council amended its playing conditions to allow the pink ball to be used in Tests.

Crucially, it does not allow a red ball to be switched for pink when the light becomes poor. if problems with the light are expected, it allows teams to agree before a Test starts to use the pink ball throughout.

Published on Oct 12, 2026

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