England’s first day-night Test match got off to a rocky start for both viewers and batsmen, as England lost two early wickets and viewers complained they couldn’t see the ball on television.
The game, the first of its kind in England, included the novelty of a pink ball, something former England captain Michael Vaughan suggested would favour the bowler.
Here’s @MichaelVaughan introducing us to the pink ball. Play will be underway shortly. Highlights at midnight on Channel 5. #ENGvsWI pic.twitter.com/EVQUJkvKcj
— Channel 5 Sport (@Channel5Sport) August 17, 2017
And when the game eventually got going at 2pm (rather than the usual 11am) the ball did appear to be rather more useful for those with ball in hand.
WICKET Stoneman bowled by a beauty from Roach for 8
14/1 #ENGvWIhttps://t.co/rxDAQ4457N pic.twitter.com/vjpZGFjHSt
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 17, 2017
First, debutant Mark Stoneman was bowled, before number three batsman Tom Westley fell LBW.
WICKET Westley out lbw to Cummins for 8 on review
39/2 #ENGvWIhttps://t.co/rxDAQ4457N pic.twitter.com/bkmFJ18qud
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 17, 2017
Equally concerning for England fans watching at home was that many were having problems seeing the ball on their TV screens.
Is it just me or is anybody else struggling to see the pink ball from the bowlers arm on telly? #ENGvWI
— Mike Ward (@mjtward19) August 17, 2017
The ball appeared to be rather less visible from one end than the other, leading fans to complain on Twitter.
Pink ball cricket makes terrible viewing on tv – can't see it! #ENGvsWI
— JonnyP (@jonnypow3) August 17, 2017
I can't see the pink ball on the tv and Stoneman can't see on the pitch #EngvWI
— Roger J Carter (@rjafd) August 17, 2017
Well it's a good job I'm going to 2 days of this test match, because on the telly I can't see this stupid pink ball at all #ENGvsWI
— Andrew Purcell (@AndySSFC) August 17, 2017
A problem? Well, not for those who don’t have access to the game.
#tms I can't see the pink ball. listening to tms while sat looking at Lake Como in glorious sunshine in Italy on holiday with my family.
— Duncan McGraw (@DuncanMcGraw) August 17, 2017
@Aggerscricket I can't see the pink ball, but then I couldn't see the red ball as I don't have sky sports 😥
— Brian Ball (@BBrian43) August 17, 2017
Alastair Cook and captain Joe Root steadied the ship shortly after, but is the pink ball going to prove a nuisance in the longer term?