5 things we learned from India's first Day/Night FC match with the pink ball

Pink ball retains shape and colour

There might have been doubts as to the alienity of the ball, but there are no questions as to whether it shall survive for 80 overs in Indian conditions

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The one big question mark on the use of the pink ball has been whether it will retain its shape and colour, with a lot of initial reports from Australia suggesting that it gets disfigured and impossible to spot as play goes on. The ball retained its shape perfectly in the CAB Super League final, but there had been an unusual amount of grass left on that ground.

With considerably less protection, the Greater Noida ground would test the durability of the pink ball. However, it was proved that all fears as to whether it would last were unfounded. Even on a dryish pitch, the ball retained its shape and did not lose its colour or shine.

Robin Uthappa, one of the batsmen involved in the match, gave the ball a resounding thumbs up, but came up with a suggestion that the ball be changed after every 60 overs instead of 80 to counter the fact that reverse swing is not possible. Such suggestions and ideas can be be given thought to, but it is clear that there is no reason why pink ball day night cricket cannot be a success in India.

Only question that remains – when do we see India playing an international team in this format?