Three reasons why BCCI might have opted against Day-Night Test vs Australia

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to allow the Indian team to play the day-night Test match in Adelaide later this year in the Australian summer. According to the ICC rules, it’s mandatory to have the visiting team's approval to host a day-night Test match. Cricket Australia influenced the BCCI to play a day-night Test but the richest cricket board wanted the Test match to be played with the conventional red ball.

India have always been skeptical of playing a day-night Test while on the contrary, Australia have played four day-night Tests in the past three years and won them all.

Let’s have a look at the three reasons why India might have decided to avoid playing the day-night Test:

#1 Lack of experience

A majority of the Indian players haven’t had the experience of playing with the pink ball. India experimented with their first ever day-night Test in the Duleep Trophy in 2016 and it turned out to be a success. However, there are certain limitations with the pink ball in Indian conditions as dew might play a major factor and make things difficult for the bowlers.

The pink ball doesn’t lose its shine quickly like the red ball and it becomes difficult for the bowlers to reverse swing it, something the bowlers rely on in Indian conditions.

Kuldeep Yadav, one of India’s premier spin bowlers, had the experience of playing with the pink ball and the left arm chinaman bowler didn’t get much turn because of the shine and hardness of the ball, however, he got some drift.

With limited experience, India won’t take the risk of playing with the pink ball against a quality opponent like Australia who boast a 100 % success rate in Pink ball Tests thus far.

#2 Desperation for away wins

2nd Sunfoil Test: South Africa v India, Day 4

India have always struggled outside the subcontinent. Without the proper resources to succeed in such conditions, they have been consistently poor.

Being the no.1 ranked side in the world, India will try to prove a point and secure as many away wins as possible to retain their top spot. India do have a strong side this time around but playing a day-night Test will affect their chances to a large extent.

Adelaide has always been a very good batting strip. One of India’s famous victories in Australia came in Adelaide in 2003 and they will be looking to repeat the same feat this year. Also, Adelaide is one of those wickets in Australia which is conducive to spin and playing with a traditional red ball brings the Indian spinners into the game and gives them a massive chance to emerge victorious.

#3 Indian batsman’s vulnerability in swinging conditions

England v India: 4th Investec Test - Day One

The day-night Test brings two different propositions into the game. The wicket remains good for batting in the day while the ball swings a lot in the night. While the batsmen reap rewards during the day, the bowlers get the honours in the night.

India’s major stumbling block when it comes to overseas conditions is their batsmen's inability to cope with swinging conditions. Their technique has been found wanting on several occasions when the pitch affords considerable seam movement. Playing a day-night Test in a series opener under such adverse conditions against a potent attack will dent India’s confidence and give the hosts the upper hand.