The game is only played in dry weather. Additionally, as it is not unusual for balls to be bowled at over 130 km / h (80 mph) in first - class cricket, the game needs to be played in enough light for a batsman to be able to see the ball. Play is therefore halted when it rains (but not usually when it drizzles) and when there is bad light. Some one - day games and Test matches are now played under floodlights. The first day / night Test match was played between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide, in November 2015, and was deemed a success, leading to further day / night Tests being scheduled. Day / night Test cricket is played with a pink ball as opposed to the traditional red ball to aid visibility. Apart from some experimental One Day International series in Australia 's roofed Etihad Stadium, cricket is played outdoors.
when can a test match be called off
when it rains (but not usually when it drizzles) and when there is bad light