Doig backs orange balls (23 December 1998)

23 December 1998

Doig backs orange balls

The Christchurch Press

Orange-coloured cricket balls could be the way of the future for day-night test cricket matches, says New Zealand Cricket chief executive Christopher Doig.

The ball has been tested in Australia and Doig said one might be experimented with in a Conference Cricket or New Zealand A game next season.

"If we are to promote and make test cricket as viewer-friendly as possible, day-night test matches are another step along the way,"said Doig.

However, a key issue is the colour of the ball.

Once the traditional red ball gets dirty, it is difficult to distinguish at night, according to early trial reports.

In Australia, a four-day state match used the orange ball as a trial under lights.

Doig said the Australians reported that the ball tended to swing more than the red one. The orange ball also gave off a tracer or comet-like effect on television.

"They are working on ironing out the problems with it and refining it so it is suitable for top-level use.

"We will not compromise the Shell Trophy competition by trying it for a game there but a Conference cricket or New Zealand A match in the future is certainly possible."

Source :: The Christchurch Press (http://www.press.co.nz/)

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