Cricket: Five pink ball thoughts out of the Eden Park test

Todd Astle's teammates congratulate him after claiming the wicket of Jonny Bairstow off another brilliant Kane Williamson catch. Photo / Getty Images

Five pink ball thoughts out of the Eden Park test:

1: Auckland, March is not Adelaide, December.

New Zealand Cricket weren't done any favours by the weather. They had 10,540 on day one, forget days two and three, 7800 on Sunday and a modest turnout yesterday. That was odd seeing as New Zealand were on track for victory, but then again it was a working Monday. So, short of expectations. Adelaide is probably the perfect day-night test venue for its climate and proximity to the centre of the city. Plus, after three day-night tests there it's now got something of a 'Go To' about it as a pink ball location.

2: Visibility for spectators

Big plus. The pink ball hurried across the green outfield and was easy to follow with the naked eye, in both the afternoon sun and under lights. Following its line from bowlers' hand through to wicketkeeper, ditto. A success on that front.

3: Did it swing?

At times yes, more so for New Zealand than England for some reason. That said, those who turned up looking for the ball hooping in a half circle would have been disappointed. But certainly enough there for the bowlers. As Trent Boult remarked after his stunning six-wicket bag in the first session on Thursday, it swung just enough, and that's all quality fast-medium bowlers need.

4: Should NZC consider repeating it

Absolutely. How about Mt Maunganui's Blake Park which is reputed to have the best lights in the country? Hamilton's Seddon Park is another possibility. Eden Park can only be used for big test occasions, which means Australia, England or India. There's potential for one of those in the 2019-20 season.

5: Think hard about timing

On points 1 and 4, it's worth trying to find a better window than the fag end of March. Perhaps one of the pre-Christmas tests is a chance, if NZC aren't going to bring the New Year tests forward in the calendar. Given their commitment to limited-overs cricket during the holiday period it's unlikely. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are expected to be the test tourists' next season, neither particularly appetising fare. So Sri Lanka at the Mount next December might be the best option.