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FROM light into darkness into light again plus the debatable pink ball constitutes what we call a pink ball Test. Pakistan already having played two of them could claim to have the experience of winning one here at Dubai last year and then losing one too against Australia at the Gabba before the Boxing Day Test last December.
The one against the West Indies here was a tight game which went to the wire as Jason Holder’s men fought gallantly to stage a near upset, a Test which also saw the first ever triple century made in a day and night Test by Pakistan opener Azhar Ali.
The other when Pakistan visited Australia later in the year nearly ended in a win for the tourists when Asad Shafiq almost clinched the mach single-handedly after Misbah-ul-Haq’s side was chasing an impossible target of 490.
The Sri Lankans on the other hand will have their first taste of a pink ball Test to join the others who have had such experience before them.
Their Abu Dhabi win in the series opener against Pakistan make them strong favourites to get past this unique experience of the pink ball Test, which in nature differs from the games in which the traditional red balls are used.
Players’ opinions also vary from individual to individual as to the behaviour of the pink ball and its sighting during the day or when the lights are switched on.
This match starting today is as much crucial for Sri Lanka as it is for Pakistan. For Sri Lanka who have not won an overseas series since the year 2000 it is important that they not only maintain their 1-0 lead but also try and win the series to lift their sagging recent record at the international level and for Rangana Herath-stricken Pakistan as much a matter of do-or-die affair to win an level the series.
I do not notice marked difference within the make-up of the two teams except for the fact that the visitors appear to have lot more balanced bowling outfit with their spinners being their main strike bowlers.
Herath’s strength is his tantalising length and nagging accuracy to pin the best of the batsmen down and out unless they match him with as much tenacity and skill to frustrate and deprive him of a breakthrough, the danger will always hang around of yet another collapse like the one we witnessed at Abu Dhabi.
Having lost the services of the greats like Misbah and Younis Khan now this Pakistan side led by Sarfraz Ahmed realises fully well the importance of their presence when they played and kept the in control even against the highest profile teams.
Sri Lanka like Pakistan are as much in the rebuilding phase and it is important for both teams to come to terms with the changing face of the game whether it is a day and night affair or a normal uncomplicated game.
Whatever the circumstances, I suppose the Sri Lankans will not let the opportunity slip away from them to win an overseas series after many years. They are used to playing floodlit games with the white ball, the pink one may make a slight difference but they surely will fight to their tether to have their tails up.
A jittery Pakistan batting will have to show a lot more application to find their feet once again. For this no doubt a better combination than in the first Test will have to be picked to balance their bowling attack, which at times appeared rather pedestrian.
Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2017
