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Two aspects of day-night Test matches stand out immediately: If Kerry Packer was still alive, the ball problem would have been sorted out two years ago when the concept was first mooted.
And how mind-boggling that the ICC, the most toothless governing sporting organisation on the planet, actually had enough bottle to support day-night Tests.
Among all the plus features, the ball problem is genuine.
But the way Packer took over world cricket against all odds in 1977 and saved the grand old game from strangulation was a far more difficult task than devising the right coloured ball for day-night Test cricket.
So far Cricket Australia has tested pink., orange, and yellow balls without success.
Currently in the 50-over format there are two white balls, one for each end, that can be replaced if the balls become soiled and hard to pick up in flight.
Seeing the first session is always in daylight, it begs the question why can’t white balls, with black sight screens, be used exclusively for day-night Tests?
A deep black, or bright green, seam would also make the ball easier to see.
But the colour of the ball is an integral part of a two-part question; the other, the hours of play.
Currently, it’s a six-hour playing day for five days – three sessions of two hours each with 40 minutes for lunch and 20 minutes for tea – 11am to 6pm all up.
And a 30-hour Test match, weather permitting.
But day-night Tests gives administrators the chance to make a dramatic change.
How about four two-hour sessions a day over four days, and a 32-hour Test match, always starting on a Saturday?
First session – noon to 2pm, with a 20-minute break.
Second session – 2.20pm to 4.20pm with another 20-minute break.
Third session – 4.40pm to 6.40pm, with a third 20-minute break.
Final session – 7.20pm to 9.20pm.
There’s a major benefit for the cricket-lover who prefers to watch Test matches live, rather than television. Most employees could see the majority of the last two sessions live on the Monday and Tuesday.
And the extra day saved would be welcomed by the players so their travel arrangements aren’t so rushed to the next venue. Maybe an extra round of golf for a change in pace.
If those are the playing hours of the future, then there has to be dispensation allowed for the new ball change.
Currently it’s after 80 overs with the red ball, but no white or coloured ball would last anywhere near 80 overs. It would be a mangled mess.
So the ball problem is not only colour, but longevity.
The new ball call in a day-night Test of a coloured ball would have to be somewhere in the vicinity of 50 overs, or roughly two sessions of a four session day.
But while that’s important in the overall scheme of things, it’s still early days.
The most important aspect is the definite prospect of day-night Tests, which would not only give the sport a huge lift in interest, but Channel 9 a huge lift in ratings.
A win-win situation.
Bring it on.