Minor seam tweak for Ashes pink ball

The pink ball to be used in this summer's inaugural day-night Ashes Test will feature a stronger seam compared to the previous incarnation.

The latest incarnation of the pink ball has arrived with few complaints, fewer changes and a stronger seam.

The innovation was greeted with a groundswell of condemnation and widespread resistance some four years ago, when Cricket Australia (CA) trialled it for the first time in the Sheffield Shield.

The concept has become seemingly entrenched in the schedule, with this summer to feature the inaugural day-night Ashes Test.

The Shield season started under lights on Thursday, giving players their first chance to use the latest version of the pink pill in match conditions.

The most meaningful feedback will come after the three games but the early indication from net sessions around Australia is that it is a harder ball.

"There are no significant changes. There's a stronger thread put in the seam, updated finish on the ball," CA head of cricket operations Peter Roach said.

"So there might be a feeling or perception it's a little bit harder.

"We'll be seeking that feedback and whether there was anything noticeable - not just with the ball but sightscreens; how the pitch responded and lots of things.

"We hope players do see an improvement - and that's with red, pink and white balls this summer."

A Kookaburra spokesperson suggested the differences were minor and wouldn't change the way it behaved.

CA and the ball manufacturer have tinkered and tweaked in recent years via feedback from players.

The early complaints were exhaustive and emphatic: it was hard to see as a fielder; went soft far too quickly; lost its shape and shine too easily.

"It's obviously a bit more accepted now," Roach said.

"We're really pleased with the improvements that have been made but we're not resting on our laurels.

"We want to keep improving the ball and so does Kookaburra."

Many players harbour the view put forward on Thursday by national skipper Steve Smith that Adelaide Oval is a far more-suitable venue for pink-ball games than any other ground in Australia.

"The fact we're playing these Shield games around the country would indicate we believe there's opportunities to look at (day-night Tests in) other places," Roach said.

"It's really important we continue to see how the pitches and balls react at certain places.

"Our groundsmen are learning, too. They share their knowledge around the country after any game. They discuss techniques to get the best balance between bat and ball in these matches."


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Source: AAP



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