Introduction
Cricket ball is an essential part of cricket as without this the sport is incomplete and cannot be started. The first cricket ball was made in England in the 18th century by the Duke family. As a result, still, the duke’s ball is used to play test cricket in England. A cricket ball is made with cork, twine, and leather. The standard weight of a ball should be between 5.50 – 5.75 ounces or 155.9 – 1 63 grams.
Importance of Understanding The Ball’s Diameter
A cricket ball has a standard weight and size. The circumference of the ball is between 22.4cm – 22.9cm. It is important to understand the dimension, size, and weights of a cricket ball for better performance.
The diameter of a cricket ball in terms of inches is – 2.8 – 2.86 inches.
The diameter of a cricket ball in terms of cm is – 7.1 – 7.26cm.
The diameter of a cricket ball in terms of mm is – 71 – 72.6mm.
ICC Regulations on Cricket Ball Dimensions
- 4.1 – The weight of the ball should be between 5.5 – 5.75 ounces or 155 – 163 grams and should have a circumference between 22.4cm – 22.9cm.
- 4.2.1 – All balls to be used in the match, having been determined by the umpires, shall be in the possession of the umpires before the toss and shall remain under their control throughout the match.
- The ball should have a diameter of 2.8 – 2.86 inches or 7.11 to 7.26cm.
- All these specifications of the ball are for men’s cricket. For women’s cricket:-
- 4.6.1 The weight of the ball should be between 4.94 – 5.31 ounces or 140 – 151 grams and should have a circumference between 21cm – 22.5cm.
- For junior cricket: –
- 4.6.2 The weight of the ball should be between 4.69 – 5.06 ounces or 133 – 144 grams and should have a circumference between 20.5cm – 22. cm.
Factors Influencing The Diameter of a Cricket Ball
- Guidelines issued by the ICC.
- Manufacturing Process
- Materials used for making the balls like cork and leather
- Climatic Conditions under which the ball is kept and used
- How the ball is maintained by the handler
The Technique Used to Measure a Cricket Ball’s Diameter
A ball gauge is used by the umpire to check the diameter of the ball. A ball gauge is an instrument that is used by umpires to check the diameter and shape of the ball. It has a machine that has 2 rings of different diameters, small and big. The ball is passed through both the rings. If the ball passes the big ring then it is known as the ‘Go gauge’ and the smaller ring which restricts the ball to pass is known as the ‘NOGO gauge’. If the ball doesn’t pass through the big ring or passes through the small ring then it is replaced.
Precision and accuracy considerations – No information is available in this section.
Historical Evolution
Changes in Cricket Ball Dimensions Over Time
- Earlier, there wasn’t any standardization of the weight or dimension of the ball. After some time, the ICC made some regulations and issued guidelines regarding the weight and dimensions of the ball.
- Earlier the balls were quite heavy around 160 – 170 grams. But now the standard weight is 155.9 -163 grams.
- Earlier, the cricket ball had bigger diameters because it was heavy and big. Nowadays since the dimension of the ball is specified by the ICC, the diameter of the ball is short as compared to the early days.
Manufacturing Process
- Cleaning, Colouring, and polishing leather
- Cutting leather into small pieces
- Internal stitching of pieces
- Forming the inner core of the ball
- Assembling cork and the leather pieces
- External stitching of the ball
- Final polishing of the ball
Variations in Ball Weight
Weight in ounce | Weight in gram | |
Mens Cricket | 5.5 – 5.75 | 155 – 163 |
Women’s Cricket | 4.94 – 5.31 | 140 – 151 |
Junior Cricket | 4.69 – 5.06 | 133 – 144 |
Impact on Players’ Performance
Bowler’s Grip and Control are Affected by Ball Diameter
For spinners, the diameter of the ball is important if the ball is of a bigger diameter, then they’ll need to put extra effort to release the ball, and bowling with a bigger diameter ball decreases accuracy. Whereas a ball with a short diameter is easy to release grip and bowl accurately.
For swing and seam bowlers, the diameter of the ball is important if the ball is having a shorter diameter, then it will have more swing but if the ball is having a bigger diameter, then they have to put extra effort to swing the ball. Thus, the weight of the ball has a huge impact on the bowlers.
Batsman’s Judgment and Shot Selection are Influenced by Ball Size
The diameter of the ball is also important from a batsman’s point of view. If the ball is of a bigger diameter, then it will be heavy then the batsman will require more strength and effort to hit the ball. Whereas if the ball is light and has a shorter diameter, then it is easy for the batsman to hit the ball with timing and accuracy.
However, if the ball is heavy then it’ll not spin or swing more so it will be easy for the batsman to score runs.
FAQs about Ball Dimension
1. What is the weight of a cricket ball?
The standard weight of a ball should be between 5.50 – 5.75 ounces or 155.9 – 1 63 grams.
2. What is the diameter of a ball?
The diameter of a cricket ball in terms of inches is 2.8 – 2.86 inches.
3. Which leather is used to make cricket balls?
A cricket ball is made up of cow leather. However, sometimes it is made up of ox or buffalo leather.
4. Which tool is used to measure a cricket ball’s diameter?
A ball gauge is used to measure the diameter of a cricket ball.
5. What is the fastest ball in cricket history?
The fastest ball ever recorded was delivered at a speed of 161.3 km/hr by Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan.