A cricket ball is usually weighs between 155.9 and 163 grams (5.5 to 5.75 ounces). It is traditionally made of cork and leather and is relatively hard, with a circumference of approximately 22.4 centimeters (8.81 inches). The weight and size of the ball are regulated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and must be within certain limits for the ball to be used in official matches.
How many types of ball used in cricket
In cricket, there are two types of balls that are used: the red ball and the white ball.
The red ball, also called the “Test match ball,” is used in traditional, five-day Test matches, as well as first-class cricket matches. It is made of cork and leather and is traditionally colored red with a white seam.
The white ball is used in limited-overs matches, such as One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20s. The ball is made of cork and rubber and is colored white to make it more visible under floodlights, which are often used in these matches.
Additionally, in the Twenty20 cricket, a different color ball also used called Pink ball, It is used in day-night test matches which are played with the flood lights, it is made of similar materials as white ball with a pink color, it is visible under lights and have slight different properties as compared to white or red balls.
Pink Ball
The pink ball, also known as the “Kookaburra Pink ball”, is a type of cricket ball that is used in day-night Test matches. These matches are played with the floodlights, so the pink color of the ball is designed to make it more visible under lights. It is made of similar materials to the white ball, which is also used in limited-overs matches.
The pink ball has slightly different properties as compared to red or white ball. It swings more under lights due to its shiny surface. It’s also known to have more visibility than white ball at night.
The seam of the pink ball is generally more prominent than the other two types of balls, which can make it more difficult for batsmen to pick up the ball’s rotation. The ball has a short life as compared to red ball due to the abrasive nature of the stadiums.
Pink ball was first introduced in day-night first-class match in Australian domestic cricket in 2010. After that it was used in many more domestic and international day-night cricket matches. ICC approved for the use of pink ball in day-night test matches in 2015.