Cricket fixtures 2020: Sydney face uphill battle to host pink-ball Test

After SCG chairman Tony Shephard revealed the Trust was open to the ideal of a pink ball Test, a significant hurdle stands in their way – and it’s not a bid from a rival state.

David Warner, Nathan Lyon and Joe Burns pose for a photograph with a pink ball during a media opportunity with the Australian Men's Team at Richardson Park in Perth, Sunday, December 8, 2019. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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Sydney may already be too pink for a pink ball Test.

Ironically the match that has pioneered one of the great charity endeavours in world sport may be ruled unsuitable for day-night Test cricket because it has already embraced the colour pink in a different way.

After SCG Chairman Tony Shepherd revealed the Trust was “open” to the idea of pink ball Tests, Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts yesterday responded by raising doubts over whether that would even be possible given the prominence of Jane McGrath Day.

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The sea of pink in the stands may actually work against Sydney’s chance of hosting a pink-ball Test. Picture: Toby Zerna

The sea of pink in the stands has become an iconic part of the summer thanks to the life-changing work of breast cancer charity, the McGrath Foundation.

But what would happen for fielders trying to catch a pink sky ball?

“We welcome anyone’s interest in hosting day night Test cricket. A really interesting consideration that was raised with me the other day was that the SCG Test is the pink Test obviously in partnership with the McGrath Foundation. If that became a pink ball Test then how would that go with all of the pink in the stands?” said Roberts on Thursday.

Former Australian captain Steve Smith walks onto the SCG with the 'Baggy Pink'. Picture: Brett Costello

“There’s an interesting consideration I’d never thought of until it was raised with me the other day.”

Shepherd made it clear that while the SCG was not campaigning for a pink ball Test, it would look upon it positively if Cricket Australia decided it would boost the New Year’s Test spectacle.

No discussions with CA have yet taken place, but Roberts intimidated the clash of pink wouldn’t be the only potential red flag for Sydney parting with tradition – given crowds wouldn’t necessarily be boosted by shifting the start time in the heart of holiday season.

“I guess what it highlights is there’s a lot of things to work through including what could the upside be in terms of crowds at that time of year,” said Roberts.

Eyes on the prize – Marnus Labuschagne is locked in on the pink ball. Picture Sarah Reed

“It’s in the peak of holiday season so perhaps it’s not an impediment for people to attend in the day at the moment because so many people are on holidays at that time of year.

“I think it’s very important that we consider all options and we are open to considering the prospects of a day-night Test at any venue.

“In saying that the fact it’s a Pink Test highlights that there’s many dimensions we’ve got to consider as we work through that.”

Australia is likely to have more than one pink ball Test next summer against India, and Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth would appear to be well ahead of Sydney in the pecking order.

Originally published as Cricket fixtures 2020: Sydney face uphill battle to host pink-ball Test