Cricket Balls

Cricket balls are an essential component of the sport, designed for durability, performance, and consistency. They are typically made from a core of cork, tightly wound with string, and encased in high-quality leather. The leather cover is stitched together in two halves using a raised seam, which plays a crucial role in the ball’s aerodynamics, swing, and spin. Cricket balls are available in different colours—red, white, and pink—each serving specific formats. Red balls are traditionally used in Test matches and first-class cricket due to their durability and visibility during longer games. White balls are preferred for limited-overs formats like One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) matches because they are more visible under floodlights. Pink balls, introduced for day-night Test matches, offer better visibility under artificial lighting. The quality of a cricket ball significantly impacts gameplay. A well-maintained ball aids bowlers in generating swing and spin, while batters must adjust to its movement and bounce. Over time, the condition of the ball changes, affecting play strategies. Laws govern ball maintenance, preventing tampering while allowing natural wear. Leading manufacturers such as Dukes, Kookaburra, and SG produce cricket balls used in international matches, each with unique characteristics suited to different playing conditions.