A cricket ball is an important piece of equipment in the sport of cricket. Typically made of leather, it’s about the size of a baseball but harder and heavier. The ball is usually red for traditional test matches and white for limited-overs formats like one-day internationals and Twenty20 cricket.
The exterior is stitched together with twine and features a prominent seam. Bowlers aim to manipulate the ball’s movement through the air and off the pitch to deceive batsmen. Different conditions, such as weather and pitch type, can affect how the ball behaves during a match.
Cricket balls can swing, seam, and spin, adding complexity and excitement to the game. Players often spend time shining one side of the ball to maintain its condition and aid in achieving swing or reverse swing.
Cricket Ball Weight in GramsÂ
One common question fans always ponder over is – what is the weight of a cricket ball? In cricket, the weight and size of the ball vary depending on the level of play. For men and boys aged 13 and over, the standard weight ranges from 5.5 to 5.75 ounces (156 to 163 grams), with a circumference of 8.81 to 9 inches (224 to 229 millimetres).
Women and girls aged 13 and over use slightly lighter balls, weighing between 4.94 to 5.31 ounces (140 to 151 grams), with a circumference of 8.25 to 8.88 inches (210 to 226 millimetres). Children under 13 play with even lighter balls, ranging from 4.69 to 5.06 ounces (133 to 143 grams), with a circumference of 8.06 to 8.69 inches (205 to 221 millimetres).Â
Be it T20 cricket ball weight, Test cricket ball weight or ODI ball weight, the aforementioned size and circumference implies to all balls depending on the level of play. But the characteristics of cricket balls can vary depending on their manufacturer.
In ODI and T20 international matches, white Kookaburra balls are the standard choice. However, in Test matches played across most of the twelve Test-playing nations, red Kookaburra balls are favoured. Notably, the West Indies, Ireland, and England opt for Dukes balls, while India prefers SG balls for their Test matches.Â
Three Main Types of Cricket Balls
Red Cricket Ball
The traditional choice for Test cricket, the red ball is made of leather and is known for its durability and ability to swing. It’s used primarily in matches lasting five days, where it’s crucial for bowlers to extract movement both through the air and off the pitch. The red ball can swing conventionally when it’s new and shine on one side to achieve reverse swing later in the innings.Â
Pink Cricket Ball
Introduced for day-night Test matches, the pink ball aims to provide better visibility under artificial lights. Made with a different dye, the pink ball retains its colour for longer periods compared to the red ball. It swings more during the twilight hours, creating an intriguing challenge for batsmen and bowlers alike. While still evolving, the pink ball has been embraced as a means to revitalize Test cricket and attract larger crowds.
White Cricket Ball
Used in limited-overs cricket formats, the white ball is designed for visibility in both daytime and under floodlights. It’s typically made from leather or synthetic materials and is known for its ability to retain its colour and shape over the course of a shorter match. The white ball allows for exciting cricket with aggressive batting and fast-paced bowling, often resulting in high-scoring matches and thrilling finishes.
Cricket Ball AlternativesÂ
While the traditional cricket ball is made of leather and widely used in the sport, there are several alternatives available for various purposes.
Tennis Ball: Often used in informal cricket games, especially in street cricket or backyard matches, due to its softer nature and reduced risk of injury.
Rubber Ball: Suitable for training sessions, rubber cricket balls provide a safer option for practicing batting, bowling, and fielding skills, particularly for younger players.
Wind Ball: Designed specifically for playing in low-light conditions or indoor cricket, wind balls are fluorescent and easier to spot. They are softer than traditional cricket balls but still provide a good bounce and seam movement, making them suitable for indoor training and matches.
FAQs about Cricket Ball Weight
Q) What is cricket ball weight in grams?
A) In men’s cricket, the weight of the ball is between 156 to 163 grams. In women’s cricket, the weight of the ball is between 140 to 151 grams.Â
Q) How much weight of cricket ball?
A) For men and boys aged 13 and over, the standard weight ranges from 156 to 163 grams. Women and girls aged 13 and over use slightly lighter balls, weighing between 140 to 151 grams.
