Cricket without a ball is literally impossible; this is why it is said to be centre piece of the game. Cricket balls are available at distinct prices in various varieties, colours and sizes. It is a general misconception amongst people who conclude that difference in prices of a product is due to quality. More than hundreds of cricket balls are under production these days and its selection is not vital if you are buying to play in your street.
Before approaching a store for cricket ball, just ask yourself some questions.
• Do you need it to play recreational matches.
• League matches.
• Or for practise or training sessions.
Here are some of the things that you need to know in detail before finally purchasing a cricket ball for yourself or your team.
• Materials used in cricket ball & their manufacturing
Inner most part of a ball- The core
The core of cricket ball is made up of layers of folded cork strips and stiff wound strings. These two elements decide the shape and bounce of the ball which plays significant role in fortune of the game.
The outer most coat is made up of fine quality leather which undergoes many stages before becoming the outer most layer of the ball. It is first cut into four or two pieces depending upon the kind of ball being manufactured, is then seasoned, dyed and finally tanned before assembling them. It is then stitched and polished to the standards for sale. If you need a ball for test match purpose, then a four piece leather ball with seam falling is suggested. It is commonly purchased for 5 days match. In this four-piece construction method, due care is taken to rotate the seam by 90 degrees to confirm regular shape for longer span. Every part of a ball is the made to undergo into high pressure that shrinks and hardens the leather into perfect hemispherical shape.
The Seam
The most significant sign of quality of a cricket ball is the stitching around the seam and is certainly the interesting part of a cricket ball. In simple words, seam means stitching of two leather halves and the protruded or raised part now plays significant role in the game. It causes movements like off the seam that is a big weapon of the bowlers of today. Perhaps you may not know, a seam comprises of six lines of stitching that attaches the two hemispherical sides of ball. Thickness of string plays again crucial role in deciding upon the range of seam, which then decides less or more movement off the seam to bowler. Number of stitches is also different in cricket balls.
A cricket ball used for 5 days test match has 78- 82 stitches. Stitches preferred in practise matches and training sessions balls have around 55 stitches.
Sizes & Weights
The regulations for international crickets are quite clear in respect of size and weight of leather cricket ball. Do confirm the weight while buying as they are strictly laid by worlds cricket council and to be a professional cricketer, you must play with suitable ball.
• Cricket ball weight for men should be between 155.9 g or 5 1/2 ounces and 163 g / 5 ¾ ounces.
• As far as size is concerned, it shall measure between 813/16 in/22.4 cm and 9 in/22.9 cm in perimeter.
In recent times, cricket balls have been specially fabricated for juniors and womens cricket. Following norms are applicable for juniors and womens cricket championship:
• Junior cricket (Under 13) Weight: from 411/16 ounces/133g to 51/16 ounces 144g Circumference: from 81/16 in/20.5 cm to 811/16 in/22.0cm