PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago senior cricket selection panel Dudnath Ramkessoon has urged the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to re-consider the use of pink balls for the forthcoming regional first-class season.
Ramkessoon said tests so far on the pink balls have not gone down well and there are questions over the integrity of these balls.
“We have looked at the results of some tests done on the pink balls and what I can say is that they have not come off too good,” Ramkessoon said.
“From the tests they have done in England on the balls, they have been unable to withstand the pressure. What they are saying is that the balls are not up to standard, as they are losing their colour after around nine to 12 overs. The dye used on these balls is not holding up well at all.
Ramkessoon believes introduction of pink balls should be delayed until doubts over the balls’ quality are cleared up.
“Our information is that they have since done some more extensive tests on the ball and are trying to improve it. However, I don’t think that using it at this point in time is a wise idea.
“In Australia, Kookabura has developed a new white ball that can be used for night matches and they are very happy with the results. What they are saying is that the ball is standing up to the rigours of cricket and this in my opinion, this may be the way to go.”
