The ICC pink ball trial will allow Test matches to use pink-coloured balls when bad light is expected, cricket’s governing body said on Monday.
The International Cricket Council said its executive board approved the trial, with the prior agreement of both teams. The move aims to maximise play when fading light makes the traditional red ball harder to see.
Pink balls already feature in day-night Tests played under lights. White balls, used in limited-overs cricket, have not been considered durable enough for the longer format.
The ICC also approved new research on lighting technology for match officials and venues. The council said the work would focus on reducing play lost to poor light.
“Our discussions have reinforced the ICC’s commitment to governance, administration and the growth of cricket globally,” ICC chairman Jay Shah said after a meeting in Ahmedabad, India.
The board also changed ODI drink-break rules. Head coaches or designated staff members will now be allowed to enter the field during drinks breaks, where previously only substitute players could relay messages.
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The ICC also reduced the T20I innings break from 20 minutes to 15 minutes.
In another playing-condition change, on-field umpires will receive access to HawkEye data to assess bowlers for illegal actions during matches.
