Fans took to social media to criticise Test cricket’s bad light protocols after there were two interruptions in play during the evening session of day two at the Ageas Bowl in the first Test between England and West Indies.
Although conditions remained dry and with the floodlights in use, players were forced off the field as dark clouds hovered over the ground. A number of supporters online criticised the game’s current regulations around bad light.
Floodlights and off for light. The game really knows how to shoot itself in the foot.
— Ken Adams (@kenadams777) July 9, 2020
Some suggested the permanent use of the pink ball in Test cricket, the thinking being that a pink ball is more visible under floodlights.
No issue with them going off if it’s dangerous, but how has cricket still not found a way to solve the bad light issue? It seems bonkers to be going off for bad light when there are floodlights.
Surely cricket can come up with a solution for this. Permanent use of the pink ball?
— Sean Merriman (@seanmerriman3) July 9, 2020
Broadcaster and Wisden Cricket Monthly columnist Adam Collins advocated having a box of pink balls always available in the event of worsening light.
Tl;dl – just have a box of pink balls of different wear and tear for use when ~the artificial light takes over~ Sure, conditions change as a result, but that’s the case all the time in Test cricket – part of its charm. Go back to the red the next morning. Et voila. #ENGvWI
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) July 9, 2020
I know there is an issue with the red ball being darker but bad light should never stop a game of cricket with lights at the ground.
— Josh Beacham (@josh_7_lfc) July 9, 2020
One Facebook user, Emile Pinel, articulated the frustration that many fans up and down the country felt with a seemingly preventable obstacle to play coming soon after cricket’s long-awaited resumption. “A big let down and in need of prompt review,” wrote Pinel. “This is the first international sport in the country for several months and presents a great opportunity for cricket to build on its profile and recent success in this country. Live coverage with a fairly captive audience, but opportunity not taken because its[sic] a bit cloudy and gloomy. Get a grip lawmakers.”
