The ongoing Test match between Australia and Pakistan was stopped due to poor light caused by overcast conditions looming over the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on day two.
The floodlights were inadequate to allow the game to continue, as the visibility of the red ball wasn't sufficient under these conditions.
However, poor light has persistently troubled matches at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Four out of the last five Test matches held at the venue were affected by this recurring issue.
The chairman of Cricket Australia (CA) Mike Baird proposed a solution transitioning to the use of a pink ball. This specially designed ball is intended for day-night Test matches. But, Australian veteran opener Usman Khawaja strongly opposed this suggestion.
Khawaja thinks that the charm of Test Cricket resides in the red ball. He contended that throughout his extensive career, he had played with all types of balls and concluded that each ball exhibited unique characteristics. Khawaja firmly believes that nothing can rival the efficacy of a red ball.
“The red ball is so distinct,” Khawaja said. I’ve played white ball, I’ve played pink ball, I’ve played red ball. They all react so differently. Nothing reacts like that red ball. How they make it, the dye they put on it," Khawaja added.
The opening batter believed that weather has always been a fundamental aspect of Test cricket since its beginning. While Test cricket remains unchanged, Khawaja thinks that fans may have become more impatient. However, transitioning to a pink ball might not be the solution that cricket authorities are seeking.
“I think the game hasn’t changed. I think people maybe are just getting a little bit more impatient. It sucks, but that’s Test cricket, unfortunately. And when it rains or when you have bad light, you just have to cop it.
“I would retire if pink balls become the bad light solution," Khawaja added.
Besides Khawaja, Australian skipper Pat Cummins also voiced an opinion similar to the former. He says switching of balls will lead to bias, and it would be difficult for both sides to keep up with the change in dynamics.
“Like anything, it’s about fairness of the game. If you’re changing balls around, it’s really hard to keep that fair for both teams,” Cummins said on Fox Sports.
The day two of the SCG test between Australia and Pakistan was halted during tea as bad light stopped play. Moreover, the arrival of the drizzle led to a session washout as stumps were called early.