Babar Azam Ready to Consider Pink-Ball Switch After Sri Lanka Test Series

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has shown a willingness to use the pink ball in future home Test matches following the disappointing end to the opening game against Sri Lanka. The first Test of the two-match series finished in a draw on Friday after rain and poor light disrupted play throughout the match.

Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka struggled to get enough time on the field, with around 141 overs lost across the five days. Poor visibility repeatedly forced the players to leave the field before the scheduled close of play, while rain brought the fourth day's action to an early end.

With bad weather affecting all five days, a draw looked inevitable. Pakistan resumed their second innings on the final day and batted throughout the day, managing 248/8 from 63.3 overs to take their lead to 272 runs.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Babar expressed his willingness to switch to the pink ball after the Sri Lanka series. However, he ruled out making the change for the second Test, saying there was not enough time to make the decision as the match is scheduled to begin on November 17.

"You will have to prepare differently for the pink ball and two-three days are not enough because we play with the red ball throughout," said Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

"If we get a chance to prepare with the pink ball for longer then it is certainly something we would be open for [to play a day Test with the pink ball]," added Babar Azam.

Meanwhile, Babar was pleased with the way his team started the match, giving special credit to the openers for putting together a good start on a pitch they expected to be challenging.

He also praised Sri Lanka batters Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis for their big first-innings stand, which helped the visitors recover from early setbacks and spend more time at the crease.

"Everyone was expecting the pitch to be difficult and I give credit to my openers the way they assessed the pitch and gave us a start on the first day," said Babar Azam.

"We should also give credit to Dhananjaya de Silva and Mendis for the way they built the partnership, which helped Sri Lanka to bat for longer after they lost early wickets," added Babar Azam.

Babar then applauded the performance of Saqib Khan, saying he showed his bowling prowess on debut by taking a five-wicket haul.

"It is very good to see how Saqib Khan played. He had a lot of confidence because of the first-class cricket he has played. He had a hunger to get wickets and was outstanding." said Babar Azam.