Sabina Park Gears Up for Historic Pink-Ball Test as Starc Eyes Milestone
Sabina Park in Jamaica is set to make history as it prepares to host its first-ever day-night Test, with Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc embracing the fresh challenge of using the pink Dukes ball under floodlights. Most members of the Australian squad are unfamiliar with this ball, and even Starc admits it’s a new frontier for the team. After just one practice session, the players are adjusting to the local conditions, where the surface is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball.
This Test carries added emotional weight for Starc, as it marks his 100th appearance in the format. The left-arm speedster is also closing in on a major individual achievement—just five wickets away from reaching 400 in Test cricket. Starc has built a formidable reputation in day-night matches, having taken 74 wickets at an average slightly above 18 in previous pink-ball encounters. He hopes this historic setting will be the perfect stage to cross both milestones.
Reflecting on the occasion, Starc shared, “It’s a bit surreal to be playing my 100th Test in a day-night format. It’s a different experience, but one I’m keen to embrace.”
He also praised the conditions at Sabina Park, calling it the most balanced pitch of the series so far. In contrast to the unpredictable surfaces seen in Barbados and Grenada, the wicket in Jamaica is expected to offer a more even battle between bat and ball. “From what we’ve seen, it looks like this is the most consistent of the three wickets so far,” he observed.
However, the novelty of using the pink Dukes ball under lights is not without its complications. “The pink Dukes might behave a little differently once the lights come on. It’s something we’re still figuring out as a group,” Starc explained. He noted that only Usman Khawaja has prior experience with this version of the ball, and even that was in a county match in England that wrapped up in less than two days.
This fixture also represents Australia’s first-ever day-night Test outside their home soil, adding another layer of intrigue. The pink ball is known for its ability to swing and seam more in the evening sessions, and Starc’s expertise in such conditions could prove crucial for Australia’s bowling strategy.
Australia has a strong track record in pink-ball Tests, having played 13 so far, with their only defeat coming at the hands of the West Indies at the Gabba in 2024. That unexpected result gave the Caribbean side a rare moment of success in this format. Only four members of that victorious West Indies team are expected to take the field in the upcoming Test, bringing a sense of renewal to the rivalry.
To accommodate this historic event, floodlights were recently installed at Sabina Park, finishing just in time for the match. Although the lighting structures aren’t as tall as those at some other international venues, they conform to global standards. After a session under lights, the Australian squad gave positive feedback about the setup.
