The 4th law of cricket is ‘The Ball’, It consists of these points:
- The cricket ball is one of the most important pieces of equipment in the sport. Its weight and size are strictly regulated to ensure fairness and consistency.
- For men’s cricket, the ball must weigh between 5.5-5.75 ounces and have a circumference of 8.81-9 inches when brand new. This allows for natural wear and tear during a match.
- At the start of the match and each innings, the umpires take possession of the ball(s) to be used. They remain in control of the balls throughout to prevent tampering.
- Each captain is allowed to demand a new ball from the umpires at the start of their team’s innings. A shiny, sturdy ball can help seamers get more swing and offer better grip for spinners.
- In multi-day matches, the fielding captain can request a new ball after 80 overs have been bowled with the old one. As the ball gets softer and loses shine, batting gets easier so a new ball rebalances the contest.
- If the ball is lost or becomes unfit during play, the umpires replace it with one that has a comparable level of wear and inform both teams. This keeps the match moving smoothly.
- Lighter, smaller balls are used for women’s and junior cricket to make the sport more accessible and reduce risks of injury at younger ages.
- The match ball acquires a unique ‘character’ and set of abrasions as the game progresses. Fielders and bowlers will scuff it in attempts to generate swing and turn.
- By the end of an innings, the ball can lose its shine and roughness – making it harder for bowlers. A new ball revives the contest and keeps things interesting for spectators.
