Cricket Balls

Cricket Balls

Any sport requires the right equipment, and if you are a true cricket fan, you do need the perfect cricket accessories to boost your game. Cricket balls on the market fall into different categories, and the weight and size matter a lot depending on what kind of player you are. Oddly enough, the colour can also be important. Moreover, for enhancing your game even further and getting the most out of your training, you can find balls with a specific purpose.

Traditionally, the core consists of up to five alternating layers of cork strips and tightly wound string, ensuring the ball's shape as well as its bounce. The outer layer is from quality leather, whereas competition balls have almost invisible seams. A thin layer of polish also covers quality cricket balls, giving them their distinctive shine. Cheaper options have thicker lacquer, which makes them more durable, but it also influences the feel and bounce. To acquire the best quality, do not purchase the cheapest leather ball, as this could even damage the cricket bats. Special laws prescribe the size and weight of the balls, and women and children play with lighter balls.

Match cricket balls are typically red. However, recently, white balls have also entered the scene and they are the preferred option with floodlights. They are also easier to find if you tend to play in the evening when it is already dark outside. White cricket balls do get dirty quicker than the red ones, so in Australia you may also come across with pink varieties.

Leather may be the first choice for many players, especially when the leather comes from Switzerland or Scotland, but synthetic materials for training balls with specific characteristics. This enables you to develop a certain skill, or for younger players to get used to the game without the risk of serious injury. Multi-coloured balls are easily noticeable, helping you to train your hitting skills. The so-called air cricket balls from soft synthetic materials bounce like the real ones, but they are lighter and thus safer for beginners. Multi-material balls from a combination of synthetic and natural leathers enhance the control and understanding of swing bowling.

When choosing the best brand for your practice, you may ask your coach which balls you should use in your team workouts. This way, you can practice with exactly the same ball and get a real feel of its abilities. SG, Kookaburra, Slazenger, Gray Nicolls, and General Motors are some of the most popular brands available, although unbranded cricket balls can also have good quality at a great value.