Cricket Australia Faces Backlash Over Pink-Ball Plan for Historic 150th Anniversary Ashes Test
Cricket Australia's decision to schedule the landmark 150th Anniversary Test against England in 2027 as a day-night match has ignited fierce criticism from prominent figures within the sport, who argue the move prioritizes commerce over cricket's storied heritage.
The commemorative one-off Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is intended to celebrate a century and a half since the first-ever Test between the two nations in 1877. However, veteran broadcaster Jim Maxwell has condemned the choice to use a pink ball as "an insult to the game."
In comments to the Herald Sun, Maxwell asserted, "It’s so disrespectful to a game that has been played with a red ball for 99.9 per cent of its history." He accused the board of allowing business considerations to override cricketing tradition, stating, "Yes, there are good people on the cricket board who understand business, but sometimes you have to think like a cricketer."
His stance has been strongly endorsed by former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie, who added his voice to the dissent. "I’m with Jim on this one. Personally, I’m not a fan of day/night Tests," Gillespie said. While acknowledging their place in the modern game, he emphasized, "Would love to see this match as a day game personally. However, I know the reasons for it will be commercial."
The criticism centers on the belief that a match celebrating cricket's origins should honor the traditional red-ball format that has defined the Ashes rivalry for 150 years, rather than adopting a modern innovation driven by broadcast and attendance revenue. Both Maxwell and Gillespie contend that the symbolic weight of the occasion is being undermined for financial gain.
The growing dispute highlights a deepening tension in cricket between preserving tradition and adapting for commercial viability, setting the stage for continued debate as the historic fixture approaches.
