There are different types of cricket balls used at different levels of cricket. Though for a long period of time, cricket was played with tradional red ball only. But as cricket has evolved, different color balls has been introduced in cricket. But their use is permitted only when they meet the specified criteria under the LAW 4 of MCC.
Dimensions of Cricket Ball
For Men’s cricket
Weight : 5.5 ounces ounces/ 155.9 g to 5.75 ounces /163 g
Circumference : 8.81 in/ 22 cm to 9 in/ 22.9 cm
For Women’s cricket
Weight : 4.94 ounces/ 140 g to 5.31 ounces /151 g
Circumference : 8.25 in/ 21 cm to 8.88 in/ 22.5 cm
Junior cricket – U13
Weight : 4.69 ounces/ 135 g to 5.06 ounces /144 g
Circumference : 8.06 in/ 20.5 cm to 8.69 in/ 22 cm
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Approval and controls of the ball
The complete control of the ball lies with the umpires. Balls to be used in the match will be determined by the umpires. Umpires shall be in possession of the ball before the toss, at the fall of each wicket, at the start of any interval and at any interruption during the play.
New Ball
If not agreed before, either captain can demand for a new ball at start of each innings. Incase of a match of more than one day’s duration, the captain of the fielding side can demand a new ball when the numbers of over, excluding any part overs bowled with the old ball equals or exceeds 80 overs. Umpire shall inform the fellow umpire and also inform the batter and scorer whenever a new ball is taken to play.
Cricket Ball lost or becoming unfit for play
If during play, the ball cannot be found or recovered or the umpires agree that it has become unfit for play through normal use, then it will be replaced with a ball which has wear comparable to the previously used. Batter and fielding captain will be informed when the ball is replaced.
Also Read : Dimensions of a Cricket Pitch, Crease and Stumps
Conclusion
There are many companies who produces quality cricket balls. However, there are a few which are used in international cricket at the moment which includes Kookaburra, Duke and SG.
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FAQs
- What are the key criteria for the dimensions of a cricket ball in men’s cricket according to LAW 4 of MCC?
– Answer: In men’s cricket, the weight of the ball should range from 5.5 ounces (155.9 g) to 5.75 ounces (163 g), and the circumference should be between 8.81 inches (22 cm) and 9 inches (22.9 cm).
- What are the specified weight and circumference criteria for a cricket ball in women’s cricket as per MCC rules?
– Answer: In women’s cricket, the weight of the ball should be between 4.94 ounces (140 g) and 5.31 ounces (151 g), and the circumference should range from 8.25 inches (21 cm) to 8.88 inches (22.5 cm).
- What are the weight and circumference limits for a cricket ball in junior cricket for players under 13 (U13)?
– Answer: In junior cricket (U13), the weight of the ball should be in the range of 4.69 ounces (135 g) to 5.06 ounces (144 g), and the circumference should vary from 8.06 inches (20.5 cm) to 8.69 inches (22 cm).
- Who has complete control over the cricket ball during a match, and how is the decision to use a new ball made?
– Answer: Umpires have complete control over the cricket ball during a match. The decision to use a new ball can be made by either captain at the start of each innings or by the fielding captain in matches lasting more than one day when the number of overs bowled with the old ball equals or exceeds 80 overs. Umpires inform all relevant parties when a new ball is introduced.
- What happens if a cricket ball is lost or becomes unfit for play during a match, and how is it replaced?
– Answer: If the ball is lost during play or deemed unfit for play through normal use, it is replaced with a ball that has wear comparable to the previously used one. The batter and the fielding captain are informed when the ball is replaced.
