Cricket ball

A cricket ball is a hard, solid sphere used as the central object in the sport of cricket.

It is significantly heavier and harder than a baseball. The ball is essential because the batter scores runs by hitting it with a bat. The ball's movement is a key part of the game. A bowler can make the ball deviate from a straight path. This movement happens through the air, which is called swinging. It can also happen off the ground, which is known as seaming. Spin bowlers use lateral revolutions to make the ball deviate significantly when it bounces.

Manufacturing a high-quality cricket ball requires precise construction. It begins with a core made of cork. This core is then layered with tightly wound string. A leather case is stitched over this core to create the outer shell. In top-quality balls, the leather covering consists of four pieces. These pieces are shaped similarly to the peel of a quartered orange. One hemisphere is rotated by 90 degrees relative to the other. The "equator" of the ball features a prominent, raised seam created by six rows of stitches.

Different manufacturers use different stitching methods for their seams. International brands include Dukes, SG, and Kookaburra. Dukes and SG balls are hand-stitched with three seams on each half. In contrast, Kookaburra balls use machines for the outer four seams. These machine-made seams exist primarily to provide extra grip for a bowler's fingers. The inner two seams on a Kookaburra ball hold the two leather halves together. Other joins are stitched internally to form what is called a quarter seam. Lower-quality balls often use a simpler two-piece leather covering to reduce costs.

Colors are chosen based on the specific format of the match. The traditional red ball is used in Test cricket. These professional matches are played over several days. White balls are used in most one-day matches. They remain visible under floodlights during night games.

Red balls can look brownish under yellow lights, making them hard to see against the pitch. Pink balls were developed in the 2000s for day-night Test matches. They provide better visibility than red balls at night. They also do not clash with the traditional white clothing worn by players. Pink balls deteriorate more slowly than white balls.

Specific rules govern how many balls are used in a match. In Test cricket, a single ball is used for a minimum of 80 overs. This represents about five hours and twenty minutes of play. After 80 overs, the bowling captain may choose to use a new ball. In professional one-day cricket, at least four new balls are used per match. This includes two new balls per innings, with one coming from each bowling end. T20 cricket uses two new balls, one for each innings. Using the correct number of balls helps manage visibility and wear.

As a match progresses, the physical condition of the ball changes. The surface wears down and becomes rough over time. Bowlers often polish one side of the ball using their trousers. This creates a red stain and helps the ball swing through the air. However, players must follow strict laws regarding ball maintenance. They are prohibited from altering the ball in unauthorized ways. This illegal practice is known as ball tampering and causes many controversies. The use of saliva to polish the ball was banned permanently in March 2022.

Because the ball is so hard, it poses physical risks to players. It can cause serious injuries or even fatalities during a match. These hazards were a primary reason for the introduction of protective equipment. The ball's behavior also changes based on the manufacturer. For example, the hand-stitched Dukes ball has a "prouder" seam. This allows it to swing more than a Kookaburra ball. This difference can provide a home advantage to teams familiar with the specific ball. The interplay between the ball, the pitch, and the bowler makes cricket a complex game of physics.