Pink-ball Test cricket has added a new dimension to the traditional and longest format of the sport. Unlike standard Test matches, day-night Tests are played under floodlights. Although the pink ball is designed for high visibility, its behavior can change during the twilight period. Since the inaugural official day-night Test in 2015, many batsmen have adapted remarkably well to these conditions.
Scoring a century in a pink-ball Test is considered a significant achievement, as batting can be quite challenging during twilight—when the sun is setting. During this phase, the ball can exhibit increased swing and seam movement; furthermore, the transition from natural daylight to artificial floodlights can make it difficult for batsmen to sight the ball. Among all batsmen, Australia's Marnus Labuschagne has distinguished himself by scoring the most centuries in pink-ball Tests.
What is the Pink Ball Test?
The pink-ball Test, also known as the day-night Test, is a five-day Test match. It uses a pink cricket ball instead of the traditional red one, and a portion of the match is played under floodlights. This format was introduced to attract larger crowds and make Test cricket more convenient for spectators after working hours. The first official day-night Test was played between Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval in November 2015.
The pink ball is designed to remain visible even under artificial light. However, conditions can become quite challenging during the twilight period, as the ball tends to swing significantly, making batting difficult.
Batsmen with the most centuries in Pink Ball Tests
| Rank | Batsman | Team | Pink-ball Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marnus Labuschagne | Australia | 4 |
| 2 | Travis Head | Australia | 3 |
| 3 | Asad Shafiq | Pakistan | 2 |
| 4 | Dimuth Karunaratne | Sri Lanka | 2 |
| 5 | Joe Root | England | 2 |
5. Joe Root
By scoring his second pink-ball Test century during the 2025-26 Ashes series, England's Joe Root joined the list of players who have scored more than one pink-ball Test century. Root's first pink-ball century came against the West Indies in Birmingham in 2017, where he scored 136 runs.
His second century was scored at the Gabba in Brisbane in December 2025. Root was unbeaten on 135 at the close of play on the first day and eventually finished with 138 runs. This was his first Test century in Australia and his 40th overall. His century at the Gabba was particularly significant because the England team had been struggling at 5/2 against Mitchell Starc early in the innings.
4. Dimuth Karunaratne
Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne has also scored two centuries in Pink-ball Tests. His first century came against Pakistan in Dubai in 2017, where he scored a magnificent 196, falling just short of a double century. Subsequently, in 2022, he scored 107 runs against Bangladesh. Karunaratne's success has proven that Australian players do not hold a monopoly on batting with the pink ball; technically gifted batsmen from the subcontinent can also deliver outstanding performances under floodlights.
3. Asad Shafiq
Pakistan's Asad Shafiq is one of the early stars of pink-ball Test cricket. He has scored two centuries in day-night Tests. His first century came against Australia in Brisbane in 2016, where he scored 137 runs. He scored another century against Sri Lanka in Dubai in 2017, making 112 runs. Shafiq's success during the early days of pink-ball Test cricket was significant, as teams were still learning how the ball behaved under lights.
2. Travis Head
Australia's Travis Head has established himself as an aggressive batsman. His style proves particularly effective when conditions allow him to put pressure on the bowlers. He scored his maiden day-night Test century against England in Hobart in 2022. Subsequently, in December 2022, he hit another century against the West Indies in Adelaide. His third pink-ball century came against India in Adelaide in 2024, where he scored a magnificent 140 runs off 141 balls. This innings was especially notable as he broke the record for the fastest century in men's day-night Tests, achieving the feat in just 111 balls.
1. Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne is the most successful batsman in the history of pink-ball Test cricket when it comes to scoring centuries. The Australian batsman has scored four centuries in day-night Tests more than any other player. Notably, his first four pink-ball centuries were scored during his initial matches in this format.
His ability to bat for long periods, leave the ball effectively, and maintain concentration has made Labuschagne particularly effective under floodlights. Three of his four centuries have been scored at the Adelaide Oval, one of the most significant venues for day-night Test cricket. He also ranks among the highest run-scorers in this format and became the first batsman to complete 1,000 runs in day-night Tests during the 2025-26 Ashes series.
Also Read: Bowlers with the Most Wickets in Pink-Ball Tests
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