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:
- Stitching: seam threading on the red ball is very close, while the threading on the white is further apart.
- Finish: white balls have an incredibly smooth finish.
- 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.