Red to pink ball? MCC official clarifies how ICC’s new Test trial will work

Marylebone Cricket Club's Head of Cricket, Fraser Stewart, has clarified the International Cricket Council's new playing conditions regarding the trial of pink balls in Test matches. Speaking in Bengaluru, Stewart clarified that teams will not switch from a red ball to a pink ball during a match when light fades. Instead, both competing boards must agree beforehand to use the pink ball for an entire match, potentially maximizing playing time after bad weather.

Stewart also addressed pace of play, noting that the ICC is toughening enforcement of five penalty runs for time-wasting. He emphasized that in-game run penalties provide an immediate remedy to help speed up play, which umpires and match referees must enforce to prevent spectators from feeling short-changed.