Test cricket, often regarded as the pinnacle of the sport, is a format which is the ultimate stage for cricketers to showcase their abilities over a grueling multiple days contest. Traditionally played with a red ball, the introduction of the pink ball for day-night Tests has added a modern twist to the game’s storied history.
Designed for better visibility under artificial lights, the pink ball has opened up new possibilities for cricket, including in women’s cricket, where this unique format has already carved out memorable chapters.
In the history of women’s cricket, two pink ball Tests have been played to date, both hosted by Australia. These historic matches showcased the talents of cricketing giants and offered a spectacle under the lights. Let’s take a closer look at these iconic encounters.
The inaugural Pink Ball Test: Australia vs. England (2017)
The first-ever pink ball Test in women’s cricket took place during the 2017 Women’s Ashes at the North Sydney Oval in Sydney from November 9 to 12. England won the toss and opted to bat, with their skipper Heather Knight leading from the front. A 104-run partnership between Tammy Beaumont (70 off 173) and Knight (62 off 111) helped England post a competitive total of 280 in their first innings. Ellyse Perry was instrumental with the ball for Australia, claiming figures of 3 for 59.
Australia responded emphatically, declaring their first innings at a commanding 448 for 9. Ellyse Perry stole the show with an unbeaten 213, etching her name in history as the first-ever pink ball centurion in women’s cricket. This extraordinary knock remains the highest individual score by an Australian in Tests. England’s Laura Marsh (3 for 109) and Sophie Ecclestone (3 for 107) were the standout bowlers, each taking three wickets.
In England’s second innings, they were tasked with overcoming a deficit of 168 runs. Heather Knight once again led the charge, scoring a gritty 79 off 220 balls. Despite England’s cautious approach, they ended the fourth day at 206 for 2, and the match concluded in a hard-fought draw.
The Second Pink Ball Test: Australia vs. India (2021)
The second chapter of pink ball Test history unfolded at the Carrara Stadium in Queensland from September 30 to October 3, 2021. This time, India was the visiting side, and after winning the toss, Australian skipper Meg Lanning opted to field. Smriti Mandhana’s scintillating 127, India’s first pink ball century, and Deepti Sharma’s resilient 66 powered India to a commanding 377 for 8 before declaring. Ellyse Perry, Stella Campbell, and Sophie Molineux shared the bowling honors with two wickets each.
Australia’s reply was anchored by Ellyse Perry, who showcased her all-round prowess with an unbeaten 68. Despite Perry’s efforts, India’s Pooja Vastrakar shone with the ball, picking up 3 for 49 as Australia declared at 241 for 9, trailing by 136 runs.
In their second innings, India’s Shafali Verma notched up her third Test half-century, scoring a brisk 52. India declared at 135 for 3, setting Australia a challenging target of 272 runs in 32 overs. However, persistent rain interruptions saw more than 100 overs lost during the match, leaving Australia at 36 for 2 after 15 overs. Both captains, Mithali Raj and Meg Lanning, agreed to a draw in a game where the weather played a decisive role.
The Next Chapter: A Pink Ball Test at the MCG
The excitement around pink ball Tests is set to continue with a historic encounter scheduled at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). From January 30 to February 2, 2025, Australia will host England during the Women’s Ashes. This match will be the first-ever day-night Test at the MCG and the first women’s Test at this venue since 1949.
The anticipation is palpable, as these giants of women’s cricket prepare to script yet another unforgettable chapter in the annals of the game.
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