Follow UsNo batter has scored more runs and more centuries than Marnus Labuschagne in day-night Tests. The batter has slammed 958 runs at 63.86 and has also notched up four centuries and as many fifties in 15 innings. For someone who has tasted so much success in pink-ball Tests, Labuschagne says he still prefers playing Test cricket with a red ball.
"I think what Adelaide has done with the pink ball Test is pretty awesome, how they've made it an event, how it all kind of fits together," Labuschagne said ahead of the Brisbane day-night Ashes Test, as per The Canberra Times.
"Would I prefer to play red ball over pink ball? Probably, just because you play it more, you're used to the colour of the ball, you're used to those things.
"There's a few intricate things about the pink ball that make it a bit of a different game."
While day-night Tests were not well received initially, Labuschagne believes that the Aussie public has warmed up to it well. "When it first came along, everyone was like, 'No, we just want red ball, we want red ball'," he said.
"[But] it's become something that Australia have been very good at, we've learned over time the different moments of the game, and how to play them so hopefully that can be an advantage going into this game."
Travis Head, who has three centuries under the lights, says that pink-ball Tests are great for the game. "Obviously, we've embraced it. We've been able to put out a good product," he said.
England have lost all three previous day-night Ashes Tests. Veteran batter Joe Root was quick to criticise the fixture, asking whether it was required to be on the Ashes schedule.
Head has it back at Root saying, "If you win, you think it's great and if you lose, maybe not. Both teams might have differing opinions by the end of it."
"And pink ball, white ball, red ball, who really cares? Does it need it, does it not? It's a great spectacle. We're going to have huge crowds again. Look forward to the week."
Head scored an attacking century in Australia's win in the first Test in Perth. They will continue to be without their skipper, Pat Cummins and fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood due to injury, with Steve Smith leading them once again in the second Test at the Gabba, starting December 4 (Thursday).