ICC contemplating using different coloured balls in Tests

The pink ball is the latest quirk to have entered the sport

The ICC is considering using different coloured balls for Tests, depending on the conditions such as light and the time of the day.

The first day-night Test between Australia and New Zealand in November is already set to be played with a pink ball, but matches in the day-time use only a red ball. The problem with a red ball arises when there are floodlights. This problem has already been faced in the recent draw between Englan and Pakistan on Saturday.

“It may be that we use a different coloured ball for all Tests," said ICC chief executive Dave Richardson, according to BBC Sport.

The pink ball has received mixed reactions

There are regulations in place for the pink ball Test between Australia and New Zealand in November. This match will be played under floodlights. But as far as the red ball goes, there are restrictions about it being used under artificial lighting.

The enforcement of these restrictions is left upto the umpires, and the players have no hand in it. Such restrictions can often have adverse effects for one side, such as when England wasn’t allowed to chase the last 25 runs in Abu Dhabi that would have led them to victory.

"It's not ideal for the game," added former South Africa wicketkeeper Richardson. "How we solve it I'm not so sure. We've tried various methods.

"We are pinning some hope on developing a ball, a different coloured ball. At this stage it would be a pink ball.

"If we can use it for day-night Test cricket, if the quality is good enough and it stays in decent enough condition, long term we can use that different-coloured ball for all Test matches."

Will there be other balls too? Does the ICC see itself considering other colours beyond pink and red, and if yes, what may they be? Things took an interesting turn of events with Richardson being quoted on a new colour of ball – and it instantly went viral on social media. The Times quoted Richardson suggesting that matches be played with a ‘greeny-yellow’ ball, but he later clarified his comments in a press conference, saying that he was merely suggesting random colours.

"I was just talking about a different-coloured ball, and said 'pink, yellow, green, whatever' - nothing specific”, said the 56-year old.

This won't be a problem during day night Tests with the pink ball. England would have won the other night! https://t.co/OSMUlCeasW

— Malcolm Conn (@malcolmconn) October 20, 2015