If you are new to cricket, let's find out why we play the world's second-largest game with different types of cricket balls. 

Red Cricket Balls

Traditionally, since the game's inception, red balls have been the ball of choice for playing cricket. However, in 1971, when Once Day International (ODI) games began and play extended into evening hours, it soon became clear that the ball colour needed to change. Test cricket, with its maximum of 90 overs, is almost always bowled in a day, and if the light is good, this can blow out to 98 overs. ODI cricket was divided into 60 overs per innings for both teams, meaning they needed to complete 120 overs in a game. While a red ball looks great during the day, playing with a red ball under floodlights reduces the ball's visibility making game-play difficult and dangerous.

White Cricket Balls

1977 saw the introduction of the white cricket ball to address these issues. White balls are easy to see against a dark sky, improving the viewing experience for the audience. Since 1992, World Cup games have used white balls in both day and night formats. Limited-overs cricket is played with a white ball, while Test cricket uses red balls.

Pink Cricket Balls

2010 saw the introduction of the pink cricket ball into Test cricket for both day and night formats to contrast with players' white clothing and for improved night visibility during day/night Test matches.

What is the difference between red and pink cricket balls?

Pink balls have a slightly thicker lacquer coating than red balls, allowing them to keep their colour and shine for longer and giving pink balls a more significant initial swing. 

What is the difference between red and white cricket balls?

Red and white balls are different in three main ways:

1. Stitching: seam threading on the red ball is very close, while the threading on the white is further apart.
2. Finish: white balls have an incredibly smooth finish. 
3. Weight: white balls are heavier than red cricket balls

Choose Meuleman's Cricket Centre for your coloured cricket balls

At Meulemans, we aim to deliver our customers the best service, prices, and advice possible. Our staff members are keen cricketers who have played the game at professional levels and have a genuine understanding of the equipment we sell. 

We offer a range of cricket balls from world-renowned brands such as Dukes, Kookaburra, and Gray-Nicholls. If you're looking for cricket balls to help develop and sharpen your skills during practice, look to the range from Gray-Nicholls. Alternatively, if you're an experienced player and know what you want, Dukes and Kookaburra offer a vast assortment of professional game balls – every ball to suit every need.

Contact us for all your cricket ball, cricket training, and cricket equipment needs in Perth. Browse our full range online, or head to our South Perth Store or Joondalup Megastore for further assistance.

Fast bowling is one of the most popular delivery styles when it comes to bowling in a cricket match.

Some of the world’s most well-known cricketers are famous for being proficient fast bowlers, including Australia’s Brett Lee, Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar, and New Zealand’s Shane Bond.

However, fast-bowling is a tricky skill to master. The skill in itself takes a lot of practice to achieve. So, to help you get started, we’ve compiled a few easy steps that’ll help you become a good fast bowler.

Work on your grip

First things first – before you attempt a fast bowl delivery, you’ll need to have an effective grip on the ball. To do this, place your fore and middle fingers along the seam that runs down the centre of the ball, and then wrap your thumb comfortably around the bottom (again, on the seam). Don’t squeeze the ball too tight, as this can cause your arm to seize up, and could negatively impact your delivery.

Work on your run up

Every bowler works differently, so experiment with length, speed and your approach angle to find out the most natural bowling run up for you. If you’re new to run ups altogether, start at 10 paces and adjust your approach accordingly. It’s key to figure out how many paces is comfortable to you, as it could be the difference between a powerful or average bowl.

Use your wrist to generate momentum

When practicing your run up, start to gradually release the ball. At the moment you release it from your hand, try to ‘snap’ your wrist and follow through with your entire arm. When you ‘snap’, it should give the ball a little extra push; allowing you to channel full power into the ball, and helping it speed up while in the air. Keep your wrist relaxed after the ‘snap’ movement to avoid potential injury or stress.

This activity can place a lot of strain on your wrist if done repeatedly, so be sure to take regular breaks to stretch and recover. If you feel excess pain, stop practicing and take time to fully recover.

Prioritise speed over precision

Though precise control of the ball is a desired outcome when you play in a game, make speed your priority during your practice session. Make every bowl as fast as you can, without worrying about where the ball ends up. You can worry about accuracy at a later stage – but as a beginner fast bowler, you’ll want to ensure you have your desired pace mastered before moving on to practicing precision and aim towards the wicket.

Enjoy this great game with products from Meulemans Cricket Centre

Meulemans Cricket Centre have you covered with all the equipment you’ll need for your next game – including cricket balls that’ll help you master your fast bowl. Browse our full range of cricket gears online, or head to our South Perth Store or Joondalup Megastore for further assistance, or to view products in-store.