Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleUse of a pink ball to combat bad light will be trialled in Test cricket (Getty)The International Cricket Council (ICC) is trialling the use of pink balls during periods of bad light in Test matches, subject to prior agreement from both teams, in an effort to reduce the amount of playing time lost due to poor conditions. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the ICC, which is also collaborating with the MCC to research and develop new lighting technology for match officials and venues to further minimise play stoppages. Pink balls, designed for balanced visibility in conditions transitioning from daylight to floodlights, have been utilised in day/night Tests since 2015, with 25 men's and four women's matches played using them. Additional regulation changes approved by the ICC board include allowing match officials access to Hawk-Eye data when considering reports of an illegal bowling action and permitting coaches to consult with teams during scheduled drinks intervals. The ICC board also expressed concerns regarding the expanding influence of franchise cricket and plans to establish a committee to work towards harmonising short-format leagues with the existing international cricket calendar. In fullICC to trial using pink ball to reduce bad light stoppages in Test matchesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The ICC gave the go-ahead to trialling the use of a pink ball in Tests to maximise play in case of anticipated bad light. | Cricket

The governing body is also working with the MCC to explore technology to reduce lost play due to poor light

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The ICC has approved a trial allowing Test matches to switch from red to pink balls under floodlights, aiming to minimize disruptions caused by bad light.

MELBOURNE, June 2 : Cricket's test-playing nations will be able to use pink balls instead of red ones in traditional daytime matches as part of a trial to prevent play being lost…

While intended to save crucial game time and appease frustrated fans, the ICC's new pink-ball trial is a step too far., writes Zaahier Adams.