Boult getting to grips with pink cricket ball

Wellington - New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult says the pink ball to be used in the world's first day-night cricket Test in Adelaide later this year is "like a hockey ball."

Boult has previously expressed skepticism about pink balls and the practicality of day-night Test matches, but says he is now ready to embrace the concept.

After a three-month layoff, Boult has begun working with the pink ball in preparation for the day-night Test against Australia starting November 27 in Adelaide.

Boult told the New Zealand Cricket website he had two sessions with the ball "and it feels like a hockey ball or an indoor cricket ball coming out of the hand. I was able to get it to swing a bit but I haven't bowled with it at night yet."

New Zealand players will use the ball in a match in Hamilton next week and in two warm-up matches on their Australian tour prior to the third Test at the Adelaide Oval.

"Those games are crucial for our preparation as we see how the pink ball reacts in different conditions and we get used to bowling, batting and fielding with it," Boult said. "We need to embrace it and be as prepared as we can be."