Oz players feeling like 'guinea pigs' as CA test out pink balls in day-night Shield games

Domestic Australian cricketers have admitted to feeling 'a little like guinea pigs' as they prepare to play in a round of day-night Sheffield Shield matches introduced by Cricket Australia (CA) to experiment with their new pink balls.

Taking its experiment with first-class cricket under lights to the next level, CA wants to learn how its new pink balls will behave under lights and against a black sightscreen as night falls with an eye to possible Test matches in coming seasons.

According to News.com.au, Victoria will host Tasmania at the MCG with all-rounder John Hastings admitting that the players felt a little like 'guinea pigs', although he added that the pink balls are quite hard and come on to the bat well.

However, Hastings said that they will have to wait to check the balls if they go on for the entire duration of four or five days, adding that he believes the hardest time to play will be between 8- 9: 30 in the night as the balls have not been tested out as much under lights.

A cricketer with an extra concern is captain Matthew Wade, who is colour blind, and Wade said that it would be challenging for him when the lights are switched on as soon night falls.