MCC 221 all out
Yorkshire CCC 82-2 at close of Day 2
Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Sunday 22 March 2015
Twitter @ball_sup
A Day/Night First Class 4 Day game. Played in Whites. Starting at 1430. 96 Overs in the day. Stumps about 2150, under the floodlights. Part of the inexorable march to Day/Night Test Matches. There is a chance/rumour that could be in Australia, this Calendar Year.
The key, we are lead to believe is the Pink Ball. Not Red, used time immemorial during the day. Not White, used on One Day & T20 cricket, day & night. But Pink.
So, might as well rush to judgement. I've thought it through. Scientists please look away now.
The ball needs 4 contrasts. Against the clear blue sky. Against the floodlit, but dark sky. Against the seats & stadium. Against the grass. Test Matches are (mainly) in bowl like stadiums, with high stands. Test Matches have some big shots, but a lot along the ground. Spectators main view is looking DOWN, against the grass.
Players are closer to the ball and not as high. The contrast against the grass is not as critical as it is for spectators.
I had no more problem following/sighting the Pink Ball during the day than I recall with the Red or White one. But, it was difficult to follow/sight under the lights when caressed along the ground. When the occasional lifted shot was played, I felt I could see the Pink Ball well against the darkened sky. But, along the ground, I felt all "wheres that gone". Even when I located the fielder chasing it down, it looked like they were miming a chase.
It was always gonna be a compromise. It is with the Red and White as well. I understand (obviously) the paramount needs of the players & umpires. But straight out of the box, it wasn't what I'd hoped.
I'll keep an eye on it over the coming days.
103/243
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