Balls up

Why are England cricket team using a pink ball against Australia in Ashes day-night Test?

ENGLAND cricket stars will use a pink ball in the first night time Test match to played in the men's Ashes series.

Joe Root's side made history in August as the first team to win a day-night match against West Indies, while the women already used the ball in their Ashes match on Sunday.

This is the pink cricket ball that England will use against Australia

Why is a pink ball being used?

The traditional red ball is too difficult to pick out in floodlit conditions.

The white ball traditionally seen in limited-overs cricket clashes with players' kits and sight screens.

Normal red balls are dyed to achieve their colour. White and pink balls are painted.

Will the ball behave differently?

Players claim the pink ball goes soft quickly.

They also report that it can be expected to swing more.

This movement through the air is heightened when the natural light fades.

When will the pink ball be used?

The ball will be used during England's second Ashes Test which begins on Saturday, December 2 at 4am GMT in the UK.

The inaugural Ashes day-night test finishes on Wednesday, December 6.

Where can I watch the 2017-18 Ashes?

For the first time the Ashes are being shown exclusively on BT Sport.

BT secured the rights after Sky Sports had previously held them for years.

Highlights of the 2017-18 series will be shown for FREE on BTSport.com and the BT Sport app.