Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers at odds on playing day-night Test
South Africa's star players AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn appear to have contrasting views on playing a day-night test with the pink- ball against Australia, which is scheduled to be played in November this year.
Saying that the conditions would be a drawback for their players, South Africa expressed their reluctance to play the day-night Test in Adelaide. Their Test skipper de Villiers was the first one to publicly react to the issue, voicing his concern about the visibility and durability of the ball.
"The pink ball has had some issues with how it responds to 80 overs of Test cricket and that is one of the key issues that we feel plays a big role in the success of the day-night Test," he said.
"At the moment, we are not too keen on playing in the proposed day-night Test match due to a few concerns that have come from a number of sources involved in the maiden Test played last year.
"South Africa and Australia have a great cricketing rivalry and this is a series that we value, we could well be playing for an opportunity to regain the No.1 Test ranking so playing a day-night match is a fundamental change to the itinerary," the wicket-keeper batsman added.
Last year saw the inaugural day-night Test between Australia and New Zealand, which pulled in a record crowd at the Adelaide Oval and also garnered a high television viewership.
"The pitch also had to be 'doctored' to minimise the abrasive wear and tear to the pink ball, which seems to happen quicker than the red ball, and this is also an area we feel is a big factor in the run of play," de Villiers went on to say further.
Steyn excited about playing with pink ball
However, their ace pacer Steyn expressed his excitement to play with the pink- ball. "I don't want to go through my whole career without playing a day-night game. How cool are they?" he said in an interview with cricket.com.au.
"I thought it looked awesome when New Zealand and Australia played one. It looked entertaining, there was a big crowd. The ball is pink – it's something different. You want to test your skills with that whole thing and it's very exciting," he added.
Steyn, agreeing that the conditions are unfamiliar to the what the Proteas are used to, also said that the team could go on a training session to get acquainted with it. "I think maybe even one game so the boys can get accustomed to it.
"You can practice as much as you want in the nets but when you get out into the middle and there's pressure and all that kind of stuff you do tend to play differently. One first-class game, maybe two first-class games and it think the boys will be extremely into it," said the 32-year-old.
"Right now I'm leaving it to CSA and for them to make a decision, but to be honest with you I'd love to play one," he added.