The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is pushing the move to introduce coloured uniforms for the first day-night test match, England vs. Bangladesh to be held at Lords early next year. And if the ECB gets its way those who differ might have to put up with the changes. The Board claims that the reason behind this change is the change of the colour of the ball. Since the usual red ball cannot be seen clearly against the night sky, they had to consider other colours for the ball. Tests with orange and pink have been unsuccessful, and if the board decides to settle for a white ball, then it is mandatory that the colour of the uniforms be different. It is ironic that Lords, regarded as the birth place of cricket, will be the first to see this change.
This move is already facing severe opposition from many who are still passionate about the old school of cricket. They believe that test cricket must be played during the day and that a day-night test match stands at odds with the very soul of the game. There are others who believe that the uniforms can continue to be white even if the colour of the ball must change. Peter Baxter, the ex-producer of Test Match Special believes that this change might risk the worldwide support the game has. But there are others who think that this is too petty a matter to make an issue out of.
The first test match with the coloured uniforms is stated to be played in May next year. The timing of the play is scheduled from 2.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Organisers believe that this will improve audience turnout because many will be able to attend after work hours.
The move to use coloured kits is still to be approved by the ICC, but the ECB believes that this won’t be a problem.
