22 May 2010

Coloured clothing in Tests an option as referral system stays

12:17 pm on 22 May 2010

The prospect of floodlit day-night Test cricket is at least 18 months away after the International Cricket Council said that much time needed to be spent on researching different coloured balls.

The choice is between an orange ball or a pink ball, with the shade of pink a stumbling block for now.

Red balls are used in all first class cricket but are difficult to see under floodlights while white balls are currently used with coloured clothing and black sightscreens in day-night one-day matches.

The ICC's committee looking at the issue has no objection to players wearing coloured clothing rather than the traditional white in day-night Tests, which would clear the way for a white ball - but would no doubt deeply offend the traditionalists.

The committee's also decided to continue with the Decision Review System under which players can refer an on-field umpire's decision for review by an off-field umpire who has the benefit of television replays using ball-tracking technology.

It's recommended that DRS should be introduced as soon as possible in all Test arenas as well as in all matches in next year's 50 overs World Cup in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.