Australia v South Africa: Bad light halts Durban Test despite new ICC rules
BBC Sport explores the frustrating issue of bad light in cricket, particularly during the first Test between South Africa and Australia in Durban.
New Rule, No Change?
Cricket has recently introduced a new rule allowing for the use of a pink ball in Tests to mitigate issues caused by poor lighting, but this has not prevented early finishes in the Durban Test.
The Challenge of Bad Light
Bad light is a recurring problem in cricket, causing disruptions during play when conditions become too gloomy. This week, it played a significant role in the first Test between South Africa and Australia in Durban, leading to losses of over 60 overs across three days.
The ICC's Recent Change:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently amended playing conditions to permit the use of a pink ball in Tests, aiming to help with light-related issues, especially during day-night matches. However, this new rule has not significantly altered the outcomes in Durban.
Weather Patterns in Durban
Play began as early as 09:30 local time due to the setting sun around 18:00 on South Africa's eastern coast. The first two sessions were played in hot, sunny conditions, but clouds built up quickly in the afternoon, leading to early finishes each day.
Technical Aspects of Light Conditions
BBC weather presenter Chris Fawkes explains that rising inland temperatures create a sea breeze, increasing humidity levels and cloud formation. This results in lower light conditions as the evening approaches.
The Pink Ball's Effectiveness
The pink ball was introduced to aid visibility during night-time matches but has not been a panacea for bad light issues. Former South Africa bowler Shaun Pollock, part of the ICC committee that recommended the pink ball, had previously suggested switching to a red ball when light becomes problematic, an idea not adopted in this Test match.