Summary
Teams can take a new ball after a certain number of overs — 80 in Tests, new ball at the start in LOIs. Different ball brands (Kookaburra, Dukes, SG) behave differently.
Full Explanation
The new ball is a crucial tactical element in cricket:
Test Cricket: - A new ball is available after 80 overs - The captain can choose when to take it (doesn't have to be at exactly 80 overs) - The new ball swings more and bounces more, favoring pace bowlers - As the ball ages, it reverses and assists spin bowlers
ODIs: - Two new balls are used — one from each end - Each ball is used for 25 overs from its respective end - This was introduced in 2012 to prevent reverse swing in death overs
T20Is: - A new ball is used from each end
Different ball manufacturers produce balls with different characteristics: - Dukes (used in England): Pronounced seam, swings longer, favors bowlers - Kookaburra (used in Australia, NZ, SA): Flatter seam, stops swinging earlier - SG (used in India): Between Dukes and Kookaburra in behavior
Key Points
- •New ball available after 80 overs in Tests
- •Two new balls (one from each end) in ODIs since 2012
- •Different brands: Dukes (England), Kookaburra (Aus/NZ/SA), SG (India)
- •New ball swings and bounces more, old ball reverses and assists spin
- •Captain decides when to take the new ball
Notable Controversies
- •Two-new-ball rule in ODIs criticized for reducing reverse swing and death bowling skill
- •Debate about standardizing ball brands across all cricket
- •Different ball brands creating home advantage for certain teams
Related Rules
Ball Tampering (Law 41.3)
Illegally altering the condition of the cricket ball is a serious offence. Players may shine the ball using natural substances but cannot use artificial materials, scratch, or pick at the seam.
Reverse Swing
When an old ball swings in the opposite direction to conventional swing — a phenomenon mastered by Pakistani bowlers and often linked to ball tampering allegations.