Should Test Cricket go Day-Night to Survive?

Why not? Day-night games would enhance the charm of Test cricket, especially for youngsters, fed on a high-octane diet of Twenty20 cricket. The idea of day-night Test matches was first mooted a few years ago, although the proposal shot into the spotlight when Lalit Modi (the now-disgraced ex-Commissioner of the Indian Premier League) broached the topic.^[1] Modi opined it was imperative Test cricket shifted to the day-night format to become more broadcaster-friendly and ensure its survival amid the pervasive popularity of Twenty20 cricket, which would “become the dominant format – without doubt”.

Modi said Tests failed to draw crowds because they are played during the day, when people are at work. A night Test would allow people to visit the stadium or watch the match on TV after they returned home, besides catching the interest of broadcasters too – vital for the game’s financial well-being.

The day-night Tests idea was backed by MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) chief executive, Keith Bradshaw: “The research we undertook showed there was a willingness among fans to attend day-night Test cricket and that was something boards were attracted to.”^[2]

But changing over to a day-night format may not be easy. Changed playing conditions would necessitate a change in the players’ traditional white kit and the red ball – not easily visible under floodlights. Pink balls were tried as a replacement for the red or white balls, but the England board apparently rejected pink balls as they were “little better than white balls”. Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has also backed day-night Tests, believing this could be the only way for Test cricket to survive the onslaught of Twenty20 cricket.^[3]

While Modi and Twenty20 may not have killed Test cricket, Tests under lights will boost its traction for broadcasters as well as attraction for cricket lovers young and old.