Exploring Cricket Balls: Types, Differences, and Uses | Deep Dive

Exploring Cricket Balls: Types, Differences, and Uses | Deep Dive

Time Stamp: April 26, 2024 8:36 AM

The cricket ball may seemingly be a simple sphere made of leather and cork, but it is not the only thing it symbolizes. The ball used in cricket sport holds an immense role in shaping the flow of the game. Beneath its outside appearance lies the world of variety that each influences the cricket games in different and distinct ways. With these promising functionalities it carries, cricket sport without its ball would be meaningless. Therefore, in this exploration of cricket balls and their types, we are going to name them and understand their differences from each other. Understanding how they are being used in different cricket formats. So, let us all dive into this topic and know what we need to know.

The 3 Types of Cricket Balls

In this portion, we are going to list down the top three cricket balls that are used in cricket games and understand their unique purpose and use. Let us now know them here by reading this part.

Red Ball

The red ball was the first one that was used in cricket. Back in the past, it was the only ball used for all cricket matches. However, due to cricket ball innovations along the way, red ball cricket is now exclusively used for daytime periods in test matches and first-class cricket. These red balls are durable and have a vibrant distinct color that makes the cricket players and umpires recognize it easily in the game. The appearance of the red ball cricket comes with the center cork, tightly string, and dyed red leather cast. The seam and appearance of this ball provide smooth movement on its deliveries on the field, and that is a great performance.

White Ball

The white cricket ball is now used for limited-over matches globally whether it is One-Day Internationals or Twenty20 cricket (T20). With its white appearance, its visibility is more obvious, especially on the floodlights, and makes it more prominent to spot on the cricket field. This cricket ball type can give assistance on the swing and spin movements during the early phase of the game, but it loses its impact effectiveness and discolored after 30-40 overs. Despite such deficiencies, the white ball opens a fast pace playing in cricket, thus entering limited-overs cricket with its underlying usage regardless of the time of day. However, because of white ball weakness, the ODI has come up with a new rule, the fielding has two white balls to be split between each end. The one not used will be retained by the leg umpire.

Pink Ball

The newest member of the cricket ball type is the pink ball. It has been used in day and night test matches and first-class games in the cricket sport. The pink color of the cricket ball arises from the concept because of its bright pigmentation of color. Thus, the pink cricket ball materialized as a practical ball to use in specific cricket matches. All thanks to its high visibility and durability, these qualities make it easier for cricketers and umpires to easily spot the cricket ball on the playing field. Thanks to some disadvantages of red and white color, the pink shade of ball in cricket has emerged successfully.

Why Red Ball is Used in Test Cricket?

The cricket balls were originally red color and test matches use this kind of ball because they are more compatible for test matches as white color ball deteriorates more. The red color of this cricket ball stays during the day of cricket competitions and can retain its shape on the playing field. All thanks to its stability and firmness, the red ball is highly relevant for test cricket matches for these solid reasons, plus, the red cricket ball swings and spins smoothly on all occasions.

What is the Difference Between Red and Pink Cricket Balls?

There are underlying differences between the red and pink cricket balls, and in here we will point out some of them here, so keep on reading this.

One of the noticeable differences between pink and red ball cricket is the color stitches. The red ball is stitched with white thread and the pink used black thread for its stitches. However, to make the red ball cricket shine brighter and give off a cherry color, it uses a PU-based coat. But the same wax used in pink cricket balls turns it into black. Moreover, another difference between these two balls is their seams. The pink ball seam is a combination of linen and synthetic, while the red ball is entirely composed of synthetic. This seam composition for these two balls happens because of the time this ball is used. Due to the period that it will be used, the seams are crafted based on it.

What is the Difference Between Red and White Cricket Ball?

The red ball cricket and white ball cricket have their own set of distinct differences. Therefore, in this section, we aim to share with you several differences between red and white cricket balls. Let us all identify them by reading this portion of this post.

In the past, the red ball was the only one used in international cricket competitions. However, as years went by, this rule changed, and white ball cricket was introduced into the world of cricket sport. Now white ball as mentioned earlier was used for ODI and T20 cricket. This is because the red ball cricket is not heavily visible during cricket matches, especially for longer periods. While the white ball is highly visible from afar compared to red ball cricket. Therefore, the white ball is shinier and more noticeable on the playing field. This only means that the white ball has been greatly polished and has a smoother surface than other cricket balls. It simply means that it swings more in comparison to red-ball cricket.

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What is the Weight of Cricket Ball in Different Cricket Forms?

There are underlying weight measurements of a cricket ball based on ICC regulations. Different cricket formats come the different types of cricket balls, so let us all know the right weight of a cricket ball according to different cricket formats. Here are the ICC rules that should be followed by any cricket form. So keep in mind them as we share this now.

Test Cricket Matches

The cricket ball used in this cricket form is the red and pink ball. The proper weight measurements they should carry are from 155.9 – 160g. Both balls are used in this kind of cricket format and share the same weight proportions. On top of that, the circumference of these balls is about 22.4cm to 22.9cm. The weight of this red ball allows it to properly swing on the playing cricket field.

ODI and T20 Cricket

These cricket competitions are highly using white ball cricket. The accurate weight measurement of this ball under ODI (One-Day Internationals) is from 155.9 – 163g. Whereas for T20 Cricket, the white ball weight measurement is from 162 – 163g. The circumference is the same with red-ball cricket, which is 22.4cm to 22.9cm. The white ball is used in these cricket formats due to its clear visibility during the night cricket games.

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Conclusion

As we come to the end of this cricket ball introduction and its different types, we not only understand the variations, but also its color, materials, and sizes as we explore the cricket balls in a deeper sense. Now we fully comprehend how this ball can swing and spin in motions and how it adds to a great cricket performance. Therefore, we hope you get some explorations on the differences between the red, white, and pink cricket balls as we will end this article with a good finish. Now, we know that the cricket ball plays a crucial element in that it can transform a simple cricket match into a suspenseful and thrilling spectacle ending.

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