Types of Balls in Cricket: What’s The Difference? (2025)
Cricket is a game where even the smallest details can influence the outcome of a match, and one of the most important elements is the cricket ball. From the shiny red ball used in Test cricket to the lightweight tennis balls of street matches, each type of cricket ball has its own unique role to play.
In this blog, we will look at all the types of cricket balls, their features, and their impact on gameplay. And while we are at it, let’s also look at maintenance, popular brands, and exciting innovations.
Leather Cricket Balls
Leather balls are the traditional choice for professional cricket. They are made with a cork core, tightly wound strings, and an outer leather casing that is stitched with prominent seams. This is the ball you will see in Test matches, ODIs, T20s, and first-class cricket.
Red Cricket Ball
The red leather ball is the oldest and most prestigious in cricket. It is mainly used in Test matches and first-class cricket, which lasts for a long time in natural daylight.
- Material: Cork core, wound string, leather cover.
- Color: Deep red with lacquer for shine.
- Seam: Prominent, hand-stitched.
- Best suited for: Test cricket & multi-day matches.
Benefits:
- It retains its shine for a long time, which makes it ideal for swing bowling.
- Provides grip for spinners when the surface wears down.
- Very durable during long sessions.
White Cricket Ball
A white leather ball was introduced for limited overs cricket. It is especially for day-night ODIs and T20s.
- Material: Same as the red ball, with a white leather coating.
- Color: Bright white for high visibility.
- Best suited for: ODIs, T20s and floodlit games.
Benefits:
- Excellent visibility under light.
- Provides early swing, although it wears out faster than the red ball.
- Soft, affects bounce and pace in the later overs.
Pink Cricket Ball
The pink cricket ball is a relatively new one, designed specifically for day-night Test matches.
- Material: Same cork and string core, pink leather.
- Colour: Bright pink with synthetic coating.
- Best suited for: Day-night Test cricket.
Benefits:
- Good visibility under both daylight and floodlights.
- Longer lasting shine compared to white balls.
- Maintains the same durability as the red ball.
Synthetic Cricket Balls
A synthetic cricket ball is a cheaper alternative to leather balls. It is widely used in grassroots cricket, casual matches and training sessions.
- Durability: More resistant to wear and tear.
- Cost-effective: Much cheaper than leather balls.
- Best suited for: Practice, school games and beginner-level cricket.
Specialized Cricket Balls
Some cricket balls are made to support specific bowling techniques.
- Swing Ball: Designed with a seam pattern that exaggerates the speed in the air.
- Seam Ball: Has pronounced seams to aid in speed off the pitch.
- Spin Ball: Designed to grip the surface, allowing spinners to generate turn.
Tennis Balls for Cricket
Tennis balls are very popular for street cricket, gully cricket and amateur matches. They are safe, light and cheap.
Hard Tennis Balls
Bounce close to the leather balls used for box cricket and casual practice.
Soft Tennis Balls
Safe for children and beginners, usually used on small fields.
Tape Tennis Balls
Invented in Karachi, Pakistan, tape balls are tennis balls wrapped in electrical tape. This gives them extra bounce and speed, making them behave like leather balls.
Training and Practice Balls
For players learning the game, special training balls are used.
Wind Balls
- Made from hollow synthetic material.
- Light, safe and ideal for beginners.
- Suitable for indoor or children’s cricket.
Rubber Balls
- Made from solid rubber.
- Very durable and can be used on all surfaces.
- Ideal for street cricket and practice games.
Leading Cricket Ball Brands
Some of the most trusted cricket ball manufacturers worldwide are:
- Kookaburra: Used in international matches in Australia and ICC events.
- Dukes: Used in England, famous for its clear seams and swing.
- SG (Sanspareels Greenlands): Official supplier of balls for matches in India.
Each brand has unique qualities such as Dukes swinging more, while SG balances the spin speed.
Care and Maintenance of Cricket Balls
The performance of a cricket ball depends on how well it is maintained.
- Wipe with a soft cloth after use.
- Store in a dry place to avoid moisture.
- Apply leather conditioner occasionally.
- Avoid abrasive surfaces that can damage the seams.
Innovations in Cricket Balls
Recent years have seen some interesting developments in the game:
- Smart balls: Built with microchips and sensors to track speed, seam position and revolution.
- Eco-friendly balls: Manufacturers are exploring sustainable materials for future production.
- Pink ball technology: Advanced coating to maintain visibility and shine.
Impact of Ball Type on Gameplay
- Bowling: Swing bowlers thrive with red or white balls, while spinners benefit from a rough surface.
- Batting: Batsmen must adjust to the bounce, swing and hardness of different balls.
The type of ball can completely change a team’s strategy and the outcome of a match.
Choosing the Right Ball
When choosing a cricket ball, consider:
- Format of the game: Red for Tests, white for ODIs/T20s, pink for day-night Tests.
- Level of play: Tennis and wind balls for beginners, leather balls for advanced levels.
- Conditions: Synthetic or rubber balls for rough ground, leather for turf pitches.
Conclusion
From red, white and pink leather balls to tennis and synthetic variations, the cricket ball is central to the diversity of the game. Each type brings its own charm, challenges and opportunities, be it a red ball, a white ball or the street cricket fun of tap balls.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between a red and white cricket ball?
Red balls are used in Test matches and first-class cricket due to their durability. While white balls are used in ODIs and T20s for better visibility under floodlights.
Q2. Why is the pink ball used in day-night Tests?
The pink ball provides visibility in both natural and artificial light. Thus, it is suitable for day-night Test matches.
Q3. How do I maintain a leather cricket ball?
Wipe it with a soft cloth after play, store it in a dry environment and apply leather conditioner occasionally to keep it in good condition.
Q4. Can I use a tennis ball for cricket?
Yes. Tennis balls are ideal for informal matches, beginner training and street cricket. Variations such as the tap tennis ball are particularly popular in South Asia.
Q5. What are smart cricket balls?
A smart ball is a high-tech cricket ball that has sensors that track data such as speed, spin and seam position. It helps provide valuable insights for players and coaches.
