Australia has been at the forefront of the day-night Test format, playing the most pink-ball Test matches and fully embracing this innovative change in cricket. The first-ever day-night Test took place in 2015 between Australia and New Zealand at the iconic Adelaide Oval, where the hosts triumphed over New Zealand by three wickets, marking the start of a new era in Test cricket.
A key characteristic of the pink ball is its enhanced swing and seam movement, especially under the lights, which gives bowlers a significant advantage in the third session of play. Despite these challenges, several Australian batsmen have successfully adapted to the conditions and produced remarkable individual scores. In this article, we will look at the top five highest scores by Australian batsmen in day-night Test matches.
5. Usman Khawaja – 145 vs South Africa, 2016
Usman Khawaja made history in the 2016 pink-ball Test against South Africa by becoming the first Australian batsman to score a century in a day-night Test. With Australia trailing 2-0 in the three-match series, the Adelaide Test was their last chance to salvage pride on home soil. Khawaja’s brilliant 145 helped Australia reach 383 in the first innings. The hosts went on to win by seven wickets, and Khawaja was named Player of the Match for his exceptional knock.
4. Marnus Labuschagne – 162 vs Pakistan, 2019
Marnus Labuschagne made a sensational entry into Test cricket in 2019, following a stellar Ashes campaign with a commanding 162 against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval. In a memorable day-night Test, Labuschagne’s innings, which included 22 boundaries, was pivotal in Australia’s dominant performance. Partnering with David Warner, who scored a massive 361-run second-wicket partnership, Labuschagne’s knock helped Australia win by an innings and 48 runs.
3. Marnus Labuschagne – 163 vs West Indies, 2022
Marnus Labuschagne continued his Adelaide heroics in 2022 with a superb 163 against the West Indies. Batting first, Australia was propelled by a remarkable 290-run fourth-wicket partnership between Labuschagne and Travis Head. Labuschagne’s 163, featuring 14 boundaries, was crucial in Australia’s first-innings total of over 500 runs. The hosts wrapped up the game on Day 4, winning by a dominant 409 runs.
2. Travis Head – 175 vs West Indies, 2022
Travis Head delivered a match-winning performance in the 2022 pink-ball Test against the West Indies in Adelaide. In his hometown, Head counterattacked with a blistering 175 off 209 balls, including 20 boundaries. His innings propelled Australia to a commanding 511 runs in the first innings. Australia triumphed by 409 runs, and Head was deservedly named Player of the Match for his explosive knock.
1. David Warner – 335 vs Pakistan, 2019*
David Warner etched his name in the record books with a stunning 335* in the 2019 day-night Test against Pakistan at Adelaide, the highest score ever in a day-night Test. Warner’s aggressive knock on a flat pitch included 39 fours and a six, as he dismantled the Pakistani bowling attack. His triple-century helped Australia to an innings and 48-run victory, with Warner being named Player of the Match for his historic innings.