The advent of Day/Night Test cricket with the pink ball has added a thrilling dimension to the traditional format, bringing with it unique challenges and opportunities for captains to showcase their tactical acumen. As the cricketing world gears up for the second Test between India and Australia in Adelaide on December 6, 2024, where the pink ball will once again take center stage, it’s intriguing to look back at those captains who have led their teams to an unbeaten record in this format. Here are five captains who have achieved this remarkable feat.
1. AB de Villiers – South Africa
AB de Villiers, known for his sublime batting and astute captaincy, led South Africa in their only Pink-Ball Test against Zimbabwe. The match, played in Port Elizabeth in 2017, saw South Africa clinch a victory by an innings and 120 runs. De Villiers’ leadership was marked by his ability to adapt quickly to the pink ball’s behavior, ensuring his team dominated both with bat and ball.
2. Rohit Sharma – India
Rohit Sharma, who will lead India in the upcoming Adelaide Test, has already made his mark in Pink-Ball Tests. Under his captaincy, India faced Sri Lanka in Bengaluru in 2022, winning comprehensively by 238 runs. Sharma’s innings of 161 in that match not only showcased his batting prowess but also his calm leadership, guiding India to a victory in their first Pink-Ball Test under his command.
3. Ben Stokes – England
Ben Stokes, England’s fiery all-rounder, led his team in their solitary Pink-Ball Test against New Zealand in 2021. The match, held at Mount Maunganui, saw England secure a convincing victory by 267 runs. Stokes’ aggressive captaincy and his crucial contributions with both bat and ball were pivotal in England’s triumph.
4. Suranga Lakmal – Sri Lanka
Suranga Lakmal, not typically remembered for his captaincy, led Sri Lanka in their only Pink-Ball Test against the West Indies in 2018. The match in Galle ended with Sri Lanka winning by 4 wickets. Lakmal’s leadership, though brief, was effective in utilizing the conditions and the pink ball to Sri Lanka’s advantage.
5. Steve Smith – Australia
Steve Smith stands out with the most extensive record among these captains. Leading Australia in six Pink-Ball Tests, Smith has an impeccable record, winning all of them. His strategic nous, especially in using the pink ball to exploit conditions, has been a significant factor in Australia’s dominance in this format. Matches under his captaincy against teams like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England highlight his ability to adapt and lead from the front.
These captains have not only won matches but have done so in a format that demands a different set of skills and strategies. The pink ball, with its unique behavior under lights, requires captains to be innovative, whether it’s in setting fields, choosing bowling changes, or managing the batting line-up. Their success in Pink-Ball Tests underscores their ability to read the game, adapt to conditions, and lead their teams to victory under the unique challenges this format presents.
As Rohit Sharma prepares to lead India in Adelaide, the legacy of these captains might serve as both inspiration and a benchmark. The pink ball, with its own set of mysteries, will again be the central character in this cricketing drama, where history could be made or repeated. The upcoming Test will not only be a contest of bat and ball but also of captaincy, where Sharma will aim to add another chapter to his own story in Pink-Ball cricket.
