AUS vs IND 2024-25: Irfan Pathan explains challenges batters could face in pink-ball Test

Irfan Pathan. (Photo Source: Star Sports)

Irfan Pathan explained some of the challenges that batters could face during the second Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval, which will be a pink-ball affair. The highly-anticipated encounter gets underway on Friday, December 6.

CricTracker asked the former T20 World Cup-winning all-rounder whether the pink ball offers more reverse swing during a virtual interaction on the social media handle of Star Sports India. Pathan explained that there isn’t much reverse swing on offer as the shine on pink balls stays for longer durations. The cricketer-turned-commentator also pointed out that the pink-ball matches are played in the evening when the conditions are damp. This doesn’t allow the ball to roughen up and yield reverse swing. However, Pathan said that the hardness of the pink balls allows the seamers to generate more conventional swing.

“Because shine stays a bit more, there isn’t much reverse swing on offer. Pink-ball Tests are day-night affairs. There is a bit of dampness and the conditions don’t allow the balls to get rough, and if the balls don’t get rough, not a lot of reverse swing can be seen. But the good thing is that there is more lacquer on the ball and it remains harder. This is the reason why more conventional swing is seen with these balls,” Pathan said.

Also Read: ‘I don’t see why we need to change that’ – Rohit Sharma spills the beans on India’s opening combination in pink-ball Test

Bowlers get more help during twilight: Irfan Pathan

Pathan was also asked why batting gets difficult with the pink ball during twilight. The 40-year-old said that the temperature gets cooler during twilight and this leads to dampness on the surface, making the conditions favourable for the pacers. He asserted that adjustment will be key for the batters in the upcoming clash between India and Australia.