Australia-South Africa Test threatened by early sunsets

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 17:49 · Archive

Australia's Test series in South Africa ended play 96 minutes early on the opening day due to poor light.

Play ended early on the opening day of Australia's Test series against South Africa in Durban on Thursday when poor light stopped proceedings 96 minutes ahead of schedule, with Australia at 6-187. Floodlights had been on for close to an hour before umpires ended play. Both teams face a series-long battle with light, as the October scheduling has drawn criticism from former Protea Daryll Cullinan, who warned of difficult playing conditions.

To counter the 6pm sunset in Durban, play is scheduled to start at 9:30am each day. However, clouds arrived at the tea break on the opening day, putting play in danger. Even with an extra half hour added to scheduled stumps at 5:30pm, this leaves only 30 minutes before sunset, making it difficult to recoup lost time.

The later Tests in Gqererha and Cape Town start at 10am and 10:30am respectively and should benefit from later sunsets further west. This Durban Test is the first played under new ICC conditions allowing pink balls to prevent bad light affecting matches, though both teams must agree to use the pink ball throughout the match rather than only when conditions deteriorate.

How it is being reported

• Bad light could be sign of the time in South AfricaThe opening day of the Australia's Test series in South Africa ended early due to bad light, and sunset times will make it difficult to make back the time.Perth Now · 9 Oct, 17:01
• Bad light could be sign of the time in South AfricaThe opening day of the Australia's Test series in South Africa ended early due to bad light, and sunset times will make it difficult to make back the time.The West Australian · 9 Oct, 17:01

In this story: Australia · South Africa · Durban · Daryll Cullinan · Gqererha · Cape Town · India · ICC

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