Australia has been a trailblazer in the day-night Test format, playing the most pink-ball matches and embracing this innovation like no other nation. The historic first day-night Test took place at the iconic Adelaide Oval in 2015, where Australia defeated New Zealand by three wickets, ushering in a new chapter of Test cricket.
A key feature of day-night Tests is the pink ball, which offers significant swing and seam movement, especially under lights during the third session. This added challenge has tested batters’ skills and adaptability. Despite these conditions, several Australian batsmen have overcome the difficulties to produce remarkable performances, showcasing their prowess in this unique format.
5. Usman Khawaja – 145 vs South Africa, 2016
Usman Khawaja etched his name in history during the 2016 pink-ball Test against South Africa, 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 a final chance for the hosts to salvage pride on home soil.
Khawaja delivered under pressure, crafting a brilliant 145-run innings that propelled Australia to a commanding first-innings total of 383. His elegant stroke play and composure under lights were pivotal in turning the tide for his team. Australia capitalized on Khawaja’s efforts, ultimately securing a seven-wicket victory. For his match-defining knock, the left-hander was rightfully awarded Player of the Match honors, cementing his legacy in day-night Test cricket.
4. Marnus Labuschagne – 162 vs Pakistan, 2019
Marnus Labuschagne announced his arrival in test cricket through stellar performances in 2019. Playing a key role for Australia in Ashes 2019, Labuschagne then piled up runs against Pakistan during the home season.
One of his best performances that year came at the Adelaide Oval against Pakistan, where he amassed 162 runs with the help of 22 boundaries in a day-night encounter. Labuschagne and Warner added 361 runs for the second wicket. Australia won the test by an innings and 48 runs.
3. Marnus Labuschagne – 163 vs West Indies, 2022
Labuschagne repeated his Adelaide heroics three years later, this time against the West Indies. Opting to bat first, Australia were boosted by a remarkable fourth-wicket partnership between Labuschagne and Travis Head, who combined for a massive 290-run stand.
Labuschagne’s 163-run knock, which included 14 boundaries, helped the hosts score over 500 runs in their first innings. Australia wrapped up the game on Day 4, securing a comfortable 409-run victory.
2. Travis Head – 175 vs West Indies, 2022
Head’s innings propelled Australia to a daunting score of 511 runs in the first innings. The hosts ultimately won the game by 409 runs and Head was named Player of the Match.
1. David Warner – 335* vs Pakistan, 2019
Regarded as one of Australia’s greatest-ever openers, David Warner holds the record for the highest score in a day-night test match for his knock of 335 not out against Pakistan in 2019 at Adelaide.
Batting first on a flat wicket in Adelaide, Warner hammered the Pakistani bowling lineup, scoring a triple-century with a strike rate of over 80. Warner’s innings, which included 39 fours and a six, helped the hosts defeat Pakistan by an innings and 48 runs. The opener was named Player of the Match for his historic knock.