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"Bit of a lottery": Broad fears pink-ball trap for England under Gabba lights

Akshita Patel

Stuart Broad flags pink ball concern for England [Source: @StuartBroad8, @ICC/X.com]Stuart Broad flags pink ball concern for England [Source: @StuartBroad8, @ICC/X.com]

England’s hopes of making a strong comeback in the Ashes have taken a dramatic turn, as legendary fast bowler Stuart Broad has issued a serious warning. Broad has called the pink ball match a “lottery” that could decide England’s fate.

After their heavy defeat in the first Test in Perth, England are already under pressure. 

Now, they face an even tougher challenge at the Gabba, a ground famous for helping fast bowlers, especially in day-night matches.

Stuart Broad likens pink-ball Tests to a lottery

The pink ball is very different from the traditional red ball. According to former England bowler Stuart Broad, it behaves unpredictably under floodlights, especially during the tricky “twilight” period when daylight fades and stadium lights take over. 

During this time, the ball can swing more, move faster through the air, and become very difficult for batters to see.

“Ultimately the best team generally wins Test matches, but this one is on a bit more of a knife-edge with conditions. The game is manipulated by the situation of the night-time and the pink ball. It’s a bit of a lottery," Broad said on For the Love of Cricket Podcast.

Stuart Broad explained that getting a brand new pink ball under lights can completely change a match. Bowlers can rip through batting line-ups in a short space of time, making the match feel like a gamble rather than a test of pure skill.

"If you get a brand new ball under the floodlights at the Gabba you should be taking wickets and you can break the game open. It’s going to be a hell of a challenge. There’s something about the pink ball, you can’t quite pick it up as well," he said.

The ex-pacer also believes that winning the toss in Brisbane will be absolutely crucial. 

In his view, the team that bats first will be able to control the game better and decide when to unleash their bowlers with a new ball under the lights.

"Win the toss and bat is pretty crucial in my opinion. It’s all about timing and when to bowl with a brand new ball. At twilight you’ve got a great chance of doing really well; the ball just seems to zip around a little bit more. If you bat well you can control when you bowl."

England’s record in pink-ball Tests is not encouraging 

Meanwhile, England’s record in day-night Test matches is not great. They have only won two out of seven such games, including losses in Adelaide, Hobart, Ahmedabad, and Auckland. 

However, their most recent win came in 2023 against New Zealand, when captain Ben Stokes made a brave and unusual decision to declare early. 

That move allowed England’s bowlers to attack under perfect twilight conditions and take quick wickets.