Types of Cricket Balls

While all professional cricket balls are made of leather, cork, and string, they are different in construction, colour, and behaviour. As a result, the ball plays a crucial role in determining results. It's as important as the techniques utilised in the various matches. Therefore, understanding the types of balls in cricket, whether red or white, is key to understanding the sport’s strategies and playing style. 

Fans and bettors wondering why they see different types of ball colours in matches will find this guide helpful. We explain the different types of cricket balls and outline their differences in size, materials, colour, and weight.

Types of Balls in Cricket 

Three types of balls are primarily used in professional and international cricket matches. 

• Red

• White

• Pink

The cricket ball names are according to their colour, allowing players and fans to easily differentiate between them. However, their difference goes way beyond appearance. Each ball is designed to suit a specific match format. For instance, red balls are used in Test matches while white balls are used in ODI and T20 matches. On the other hand, Pink Balls are used in Day-Night Test matches. 

In addition to each being peculiar to certain match formats, these balls also behave differently based on environmental and pitch conditions. Knowing how they differ and behave in certain pitches enables cricket betting enthusiast stay ahead in the sport. This helps them make more informed betting choices and get the most out of their wagers.

Cricket Ball Weight, Size & Specifications

Among cricket enthusiasts, one of the major areas of interest is the weight and dimensions of the cricket ball. The ball’s size, weight and specification are consistent across all formats of the game, regardless of their colours. These requirements are well-regulated to ensure fairness in the sport. 

According to ICC, the cricket ball weight in grams for international cricket ranges from 155.9 to 163.0. This is the standard across all formats, including Test cricket or ODI. Even the T20 cricket ball weight falls within this range

For the cricket ball size, its circumference ranges from 22.4 cm to 22.9 cm, corresponding to a diameter of approximately 7.1-7.29 cm. The ball's radius, on the other hand, measures around 3.57-3.65 cm. With these dimensions known, fans can better anticipate the ball's bounce and movement during a match.

However, the ball’s weight, size, and specifications differ for men’s cricket, women’s cricket, and junior cricket (U-13). The table below gives further explanation.

Red Ball Cricket - Test Matches

The type of ball used in a match depends on the match format. This section of our blog will give you an overview so you won’t make mistakes next time. The first question we want to answer is: What is red ball cricket? Red ball cricket is traditionally associated with Test matches, the longest format of the game, which can last up to 5 days. So, if you’re new to cricket and see a red ball at an event, that’s a Test match. 

While the red ball has been around since the 18th century, it was used at the first official Test match in 1877 between England and Australia. Since then, the red ball has become the standard choice for Test cricket mainly because of its durability and better visibility in daylight. 

Additionally, the red ball’s ability to retain its shine longer makes it unique. This allows bowlers to generate swing and reverse swing as the ball ages. The clearly noticeable seam on the red ball also helps bowlers get extra movement after the ball hits the pitch. Hence, Test cricket shows a true examination of both batting technique and bowling skill.

As mentioned earlier, durability is one of the characteristics of Red ball cricket.  So, a single red ball can be used for up to 80 overs. After 80 overs, it can then be replaced by the fielding captain, although not mandatory if the ball is performing well. 

As a result of ball changes, the game strategies change too. Batters adjust their play as the ball ages, while bowlers plan when to bowl based on the ball's condition. If you’re going to bet on cricket at 1xBet, you must consider the ball’s condition when placing your bets. In India, for instance, the red ball often helps spin bowlers as the pitch becomes rough and dry over time. However, Test matches in other countries may favour fast bowlers more as the pitches offer extra pace and bounce.

White Ball Cricket - ODI & T20

You may want to ask: What is white ball cricket? If you follow limited-overs formats such as One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) matches, you’ll discover they use white balls. White ball cricket is used in limited-overs formats. These formats are designed to be faster and more aggressive, with matches completed within a day. The white ball is unique because of its high visibility under floodlights. It also stands out against the coloured team jerseys used in ODI and T20 games. These qualities make it ideal for night matches, especially in popular cricket tournaments such as the IPL, T20 World Cup, and Asia Cup. 

In ODI games, two new balls are used, with one bowled from each end of the cricket pitch. This helps stop the ball from wearing out quickly. On the other hand, only one white ball is usually used in T20 cricket because the match is played across 20 overs. This way, batters focus more on hitting big shots, fielders become quicker and more alert, and players must make fast decisions.

While white balls have the same weight and size as red and pink balls, they behave differently. This is due to the extra coating on their leather, which affects swing and grip.

Pink Ball Cricket - Day Night Tests 

Pink ball cricket first came into the spotlight in 2015 in Australia. It marked the start of the inaugural Day-Night Test match, featuring Australia and New Zealand. The pink ball was introduced to combine the durability of the red ball and the visibility of the white ball.

Pink ball cricket follows the same rules as regular Test matches, but with games played partly in daylight and partly under floodlights. This pink colour makes the ball easier to see during evening sessions and at night, as it blends in with the player's white kit. Unlike the white ball, the pink ball is designed to be more durable and retain its shine longer. This makes it suitable for the game's longest format.

One of the unique features of the pink ball is how it behaves when the lighting conditions change.  Bowlers often get more movement during twilight and the night sessions, while batters may struggle with visibility and swing. This format has added a fresh challenge to Test cricket, making it more interesting for both players and fans. At the same time, it preserves the game's traditional format.

Difference Between Red Ball and White Ball

Understanding the difference between the red and white balls is key. It helps cricket fans and bettors better understand match strategies and playing styles across formats. While all cricket balls have the same weight, they differ according to the types of matches and playing conditions in which they're used. 

This means that balls influence batting approaches, bowling skills, and even match results. The table below compares red and white balls, highlighting their differences.

Cricket Balls Materials

For many fans, the question of what is cricket ball made of is important. Understanding this better explains why the ball swings and bounces in a game.

A standard cricket ball is built around a solid cork core, wrapped tightly with layers of wool and cotton to maintain shape and balance. The outer covering is made from high-quality leather, stitched together with raised seams and polished differently based on colour. These materials help the ball retain its weight, durability and performance throughout a match.