Australian batting maestro Steve Smith has launched a critique against the pink-ball Test, stating he believes the day-night format has no place in the iconic Ashes series. Smith revealed his personal difficulties with the innovation, citing visibility issues, despite its proven success in drawing television audiences.
Smith's Visibility Struggles and Ashes Critique
Speaking candidly, Smith expressed a firm belief that the traditional red-ball game is sufficient for cricket's oldest rivalry. "I'm not a big fan of the pink ball, I can't see the thing very well," he admitted. His comments follow reports that England plans to reject proposals for day-night matches in the next Ashes series in Australia during 2029 and 2030.
Smith pointed to the record-breaking attendances during the recent Ashes series as evidence the format is superfluous. "I don't think you need it in an Ashes series," he argued. "I think we saw the crowds that we got throughout the series out here in all the red-ball games. We broke attendance records. So, yeah, not sure you need it."
A Temporary Fix and a Long-Term Contract
During Australia's eight-wicket victory over England at The Gabba, Smith was spotted with two black plasters under his eyes, an extra measure to combat the glare of the floodlights. He still managed scores of 61 and 23 not out in that match.
However, Smith's potential influence on future scheduling may be limited. The stand-in skipper, who will be 40 by the 2029-30 series, conceded he likely won't be playing. "I’m more than happy (for it to be scrapped), but I don't think I'll be around for that," he said.
His view contrasts sharply with the stance of Cricket Australia. Chief executive Todd Greenberg has insisted the pink-ball Test is firmly in the schedule until at least 2031, as mandated by broadcast contracts. "It's in our broadcast contracts until 2031 that we will play a pink-ball Test. So it's not going anywhere," Greenberg stated.
The Broadcast Boom and Conditional Support
The financial and viewer appeal of the day-night format is undeniable. The recent Gabba Test attracted a national total TV audience of 1.21 million, a 36% increase on the previous year's equivalent match against India. Broadcasters reported it was their highest-rated day-night match ever.
Greenberg highlighted the prime-time advantage, noting, "The night session [at the Gabba] has doubled the number of viewers we would get for the last session here today. It gets more people watching it, more people engaged in it."
Smith did acknowledge the format has a place under certain conditions, just not in the Ashes. "On the right wicket, I think it works. Adelaide's a good place for it," he noted, describing the pitch there as a "featherbed" that preserves the ball. Yet, he remains wary of its unpredictable nature. "It's such a different game. If you get on the right side of things... the game can turn really quickly."
The debate is set to continue, with a one-off day-night Test already scheduled for the MCG in 2027 to celebrate 150 years of Tests at the ground. For now, the future of the pink ball in the Ashes remains a point of contention between player experience and commercial strategy.
