The first pink ball, day-night Test match in Asia will start from Thursday when Pakistan and West Indies lock horns in Dubai. The historic Test match will hopefully bring in the crowds in the UAE and also get the best out of two talented teams.
While in certain centres, Test match cricket is still followed closely, most countries in the world struggle to get quality crowds in to watch the five-day game. There is no doubt that Test cricket is the pinnacle of the sport, so in order to keep it relevant and bring in the crowds, playing matches in the evening, when the supporters can come in and watch after work, is essential.
Pakistan, who continue to play their home matches in the UAE, owing to the security situation in their country, will want to carry on playing the wonderful Test cricket they have in recent times, while hoping there is a big enough crowd at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to appreciate their performances.
"Obviously it's different," Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali told reporters. "It's a first game for us with a pink ball and it's a day-night game. We played one or two games, players have had experience with the pink ball in the domestic circuit, but internationally it's the first game.
"It's a different challenge but we're all excited about it and I think it will be very exciting for the crowd as well to come and watch this game.
"I think the game is important but we had enough time in the middle. We had five to six sessions with the pink ball. The players also played in the first-class final and a few other games. They do have a little experience of that as well. We have been practising really hard and have had quite long sessions, so I think we have enough idea of this ball."
The biggest worry over the pink ball is that the batsmen seem to struggle to see the seam. Being able to watch the seam and what side it is angled is essential to read what the bowler is doing, so if the batsmen cannot spot the seam, it could prove to be a difficult Test match for the men with the willow.
"I think most of the guys have complained about the fact that they're not really able to pick up the seam that well," West Indies batsman Darren Bravo said. "I don't know for whatever reason but we can't do anything about it.
"It is what it is and we need to accept the challenge as quickly as possible and just go out there and give it our best shot."
Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test match schedule: Pink ball, Day-Night Test.
Date: Thursday, October 13 to Monday, October 17.
Time: 3.30pm local time (5pm IST, 12.30pm BST, 7.30am ET).
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
TV listings: India: Ten 3 and Ten 1 HD. Pakistan: TV: PTV Sports. Middle East: Ten Sports. USA: Willow TV. UK: Zee.
