Australia vs India: Pink Ball Test Adds Excitement to Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

The five-match Test series has cricket enthusiasts buzzing, particularly with the introduction of the pink ball for this fixture, a significant shift from the traditional red ball used in Test matches.

The pink ball, specifically designed for day/night Tests, exhibits distinct characteristics. Played under floodlights, it often favors bowlers, especially during the night session, challenging batters with enhanced movement and visibility issues. Former Australian pacer Brett Lee recently discussed the behavior of the pink ball, comparing it to a "Rosé" due to its unique color and characteristics. He highlighted how the cooler, humid conditions at night amplify the ball's swing and movement, making it a potent weapon for fast bowlers.

Virat Kohli leads Indian batters in pink-ball Tests, amassing 277 runs in five matches at an average of 46.16, including a century and a half-century. Among bowlers, Ravichandran Ashwin has been India's standout performer, claiming 18 wickets in five matches at an impressive average of 13.83.

For Australia, Marnus Labuschagne stands out as the top scorer in day/night Tests, accumulating 894 runs across nine matches with an average of 63.85, including four centuries. Mitchell Starc dominates the bowling charts with 67 wickets from 13 matches at an average of 18.80, including three five-wicket hauls.