With the Gabba hosting a pink-ball day-night Test, many fans are wondering how the pink ball differs from the traditional red ball — and why it changes the entire nature of a Test match.

The short answer: the pink ball behaves very differently, especially under lights, making day-night Tests far more unpredictable.

1. Swing and seam movement

The biggest difference is enhanced swing.

  • The pink ball swings more than the red ball, particularly under lights during the twilight and night sessions.

  • Seam movement also increases as the ball remains harder for longer.

This is why teams often aim to bowl in the evening, when conditions heavily favour fast bowlers.

2. Visibility and behaviour in daylight

In the daytime, the pink ball sometimes behaves more like a white ball:

  • Slightly skiddier

  • Lesser reverse swing

  • More consistent bounce

Batters often score more freely in the first session compared to the challenging final session under lights.

3. Ball durability

The pink ball:

  • Has an extra lacquer coating

  • Stays shiny for longer

  • Maintains hardness across more overs

This helps bowlers generate swing deeper into the innings.

4. Impact on spin bowling

Spinners generally find:

  • Less help early on

  • Difficulty gripping the lacquered seam

  • More effectiveness only once the ball softens later in the innings

This is why Australia dropped Nathan Lyon for an all-pace attack at the Gabba.

5. Conditions at the Gabba exaggerate the effect

With no daylight saving and long evening periods, the Gabba is known for dramatic twilight swing spells. What looks like a batting paradise in the afternoon can instantly turn into a bowlers’ dream at night.