72 pink balls ordered BCCI

The BCCI has asked manufacturer SG to deliver 72 pink balls by next week for India's first-ever day night Test, to be held at the Eden Gardens from November 22.

Producing a ball fit for a Test match under lights is a big challenge for SG as its pink ball is yet to be tested in a competitive game. The Duleep Trophy was played with Kookaburra pink balls for three seasons and not SG before the BCCI switched back to red ball this year.

SG had faced strong criticism from some Indian players in the previous home season with India skipper Virat Kohli saying that the red ball got scuffed up way too early in comparison to the Dukes used in England and Kookaburra in Australia.

Kohli acknowledged the improvements made on the ball this season but wants it last to at least 60 overs. Considering the bowlers have faced issues with the red 'SG Test', it remains to be seen how the company steps up to the pink ball challenge.

Compared to the red ball, the pink one attracts a lot more dust and tends to get dirty rather quickly, making it tougher to sight. "The coating process is different for both the balls and yes the pink one does attract more dust.

Having said that, if we can make significant improvements with the red ball in a short time, we can do the same with the pink," he said adding that the SG has two dozen pink balls already in its inventory including a few used ones.