Pink-Ball Test History 2026: Day-Night Tests & Records

Day-night Test cricket with a pink ball started in 2015. Since then, ~20 pink-ball Tests have been played. The pink Kookaburra (and SG) balls behave differently under lights — swinging more in the twilight session. Here's the full history.

First pink-ball Test

Australia vs New Zealand, Adelaide Oval, November 2015. Australia won by 3 wickets — a thriller that proved the concept.

India's first pink-ball Test

vs Bangladesh, Eden Gardens, November 2019. India won by an innings and 46 runs. Virat Kohli scored a century.

Record pink-ball matches played

Australia: most pink-ball Tests (14+). India: 4+ Tests.

Why pink? The ball-choice logic

Red ball not visible under lights. White ball gets too scuffed in a 90-over Test. Pink provides visibility + durability.

Pink-ball behaviour differences

• More twilight swing (45 min window before dark)
• Harder to pick length
• Lacquer lasts longer = more even bounce longer

Famous pink-ball Test results

Australia unbeaten at home in pink-ball tests (12-0 going into 2026). India's 2020 pink-ball test at Adelaide — 36 all out.

Rules differences

Same laws as red-ball Tests, but check our day-night Test rules for specifics.

Related reading

Pink ball rules cricket day-night test and red vs white vs pink cricket ball difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the first pink-ball Test?

Australia vs NZ, Adelaide, November 2015.

When did India play their first pink-ball Test?

vs Bangladesh, Eden Gardens, November 2019. India won by an innings.

Why is the pink ball used?

Red isn't visible under lights; white scuffs too fast. Pink balances both.

Is Australia unbeaten in pink-ball Tests at home?

Yes — 12-0 at home going into 2026.

What is India's record in pink-ball Tests?

Mixed — historic win vs Bangladesh but 36 all out vs Australia in 2020.

The takeaway

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