‘It's a different ball game as compared to red ball’
The pink ball is going to be a very “different ball game”, India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane asserted on Tuesday, saying its extra lateral movement compared to the red cherry will force batsmen to play late and closer to their bodies.
Rahane had a couple of practice sessions with the pink ball under the watchful eyes of NCA Director Rahul Dravid in Bengaluru building up to the historic Day/Night Test starting November 22.
“We had two good practice sessions, actually four but two with pink ball — one during the day and one under lights. It was actually exciting,” Rahane said ahead of the first Test.
“For me, it was the first time I played with the pink ball and definitely it’s a different ball game as compared to red ball. Our focus was to look into the swing and seam movement and also play close to our body,” Virat Kohli’s deputy observed.
Rahane’s assessment after his initial sessions was that the batsmen will have to tweak their technique slightly.
“What we found out after the practice session was that the (new) pink ball does a lot more than the red ball. You have to play slightly late and close to your body. We had a word with Rahul bhai as he was also there.”
Visibility at twilight could be difficult: Pujara
Bengaluru: Top batsman Cheteshwar Pujara feels “visibility at twilight” could be an issue when India and Bangladesh venture into the unchartered territory called Day/Night Tests later this month in Kolkata.
The Test at Eden will not only be the first day/night affair for both the sides but it will also mark the first official appearance of SG pink balls.
“I have played earlier with pink ball in the Duleep Trophy, that was good experience. Playing with pink ball at the domestic level could come in handy,” Pujara told ‘bcci.Tv’.
Majority of the cricketers will be playing with the pink ball for the first time in their careers. However, the likes of Pujara, Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, and Kuldeep Yadav have experience of playing with the Kookaburra pink ball in Duleep Trophy.
“Visibility is not an issue during the day, it will be an issue in twilight and under lights, the twilight could be a little difficult. Those sessions will be crucial.”
Pujara added, “Most players have said that picking the wrist spinners’ wrong ‘un is a little difficult.”
For another senior player, Ajinkya Rahane, training ahead of the match will come in handy as far as acclimatisation is concerned. PTI