A cricket ball is the primary equipment used in the game of cricket. It is a hard leather ball with a circumference of 8.81 to 9 inches and a weight between 5.5 and 5.75 ounces. The ball is made up of four pieces of leather stitched together by hand with a string. It is traditionally dyed red, but white and pink balls are also used in certain formats of the game.
The choice of ball depends on the playing conditions and the format of the game. The red ball is used in Test cricket, while the white ball is used in limited-overs cricket. The pink ball, on the other hand, is used in day-night Test matches where the game is played under floodlights.
The ball is bowled by the bowler towards the batsman, who tries to hit it with the bat. The bowler can either spin the ball or deliver it at a fast pace to make it difficult for the batsman to hit. The ball can swing in the air or move off the pitch, making it challenging for the batsman to judge its trajectory.
A cricket ball has a lifespan of around 80-90 overs in Test cricket, after which it loses its shape and hardness. Depending on the condition of the ball, the fielding team can choose to take a new ball or continue with the old one. They can also try to shine the ball on one side using saliva or sweat to make it swing more and create rough patches on the other side to make it spin.
In the history of cricket, the ball has been known to cause significant injuries to the players. Protective gear such as helmets, pads, and gloves are used to prevent such injuries.
the cricket ball is an essential component of the game of cricket. It is a hard leather ball of specific weight and circumference, traditionally dyed red. The ball is bowled towards the batsman, who tries to hit it with the bat. The lifespan of a cricket ball is limited, and the fielding team can take appropriate measures to maintain its effectiveness. While the ball can cause injuries, protective gear is used to ensure the safety of the players.