- Test Cricket: In Test cricket, different types of balls are used according to the conditions of different countries. Know that C ball is used in Test matches in India.
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Balls Used in Test Cricket:
The game of cricket started centuries ago, but Test cricket established its dominance in the 19th century and then in the 20th century. The first Test match in history was played between Australia and England in the year 1877. The game of a Test match lasts for five days, but often a question arises in your mind that what kind of ball is used in Test cricket and what is its specialty.
Dukes Ball – Dukes ball is quite popular for its durability. In a test match, 90 overs are bowled in a day, so if the Dukes ball is kept in good condition, its shine remains even after 50 overs. This ball is used in England, Ireland and West Indies. If there is grass on the pitch and the sky is cloudy, then the Dukes ball moves on both sides. Its stitching is completely done by hand.
Kookaburra – Kookaburra company’s balls are produced in Australia. They are stitched half by hand and the rest by machine. Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, Zimbabwe, New Zealand and Bangladesh have been using this ball. When the weather is clear and the pitch has bounce, then Kookaburra’s ball has proved to be very effective.
SG – SG is an Indian company and this is the ball used in matches held in India. The seam of the SG ball is slightly different from other balls because thick thread is used in it. The stitching of this ball is done by hand. This ball can hit sixes for the batsmen on dry and solid pitches. Mostly only India uses SG balls.
Pink ball – Talking about Test cricket, the first day-night Test match was played between Australia and New Zealand in 2015. A pink ball is used in these matches. Many cricketers have claimed that the pink ball swings more than the red and white ball.
Test cricket, often regarded as the purest form of the game, has been played for over a century. A key aspect of this format is the cricket ball itself, which plays a pivotal role in how the game unfolds. Interestingly, not all cricket balls are the same. Different countries and conditions call for different types of balls, each with unique characteristics that affect the swing, bounce, and durability over the course of the match.
In this blog, we’ll explore the types of cricket balls used in Test cricket and dive into which ball is preferred by the Indian team.
Types of Balls Used in Test Cricket
There are primarily three types of cricket balls used in Test cricket, depending on the country and the manufacturer. These balls vary in terms of the leather used, the seam structure, and how they behave during the match:
- Dukes Ball
- Used in: England, West Indies
- Key Features: The Dukes ball is known for its prominent seam and hand-stitched construction. Its dark red color and pronounced seam make it ideal for swing bowling, especially under cloudy or damp conditions. The ball swings for a longer period and retains its shine well.
- Behavior: The Dukes ball is famous for aiding swing bowlers. It can swing early in the innings and remains effective for reverse swing as the ball ages, providing bowlers with opportunities throughout the match.
- SG Ball (Sanspareils Greenlands)
- Used in: India
- Key Features: The SG ball is known for its hand-stitched seam and a slightly lighter shade of red compared to the Dukes and Kookaburra balls. The seam of the SG ball stays intact longer, which makes it suitable for longer spells of seam bowling.
- Behavior: In Indian conditions, where the pitches tend to be flat and offer more spin as the match progresses, the SG ball is renowned for assisting spinners. The seam holds up well, and the ball grips the surface, providing spinners with extra bite and turn as it wears down. Fast bowlers, too, benefit from the extra bounce the SG ball provides in the initial overs.
- Kookaburra Ball
- Used in: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan
- Key Features: The Kookaburra ball is machine-stitched, and its seam is flatter compared to the Dukes and SG balls. The red color of the Kookaburra is quite vibrant, and it is known for offering consistent behavior during the first 30-40 overs.
- Behavior: The Kookaburra ball swings less than the Dukes and loses its shine more quickly. However, it maintains a true bounce, making it ideal for fast, bouncy pitches like those found in Australia and South Africa. While it doesn’t swing as much, bowlers use its consistency to trouble batsmen with pace and bounce.
Which Ball Does the Indian Team Use?
In India, the official ball used in Test matches is the SG ball (Sanspareils Greenlands). Indian pitches are known for their slow, dry nature, which becomes more spin-friendly as a match progresses. The SG ball is specifically designed to suit these conditions, offering characteristics that favor both fast bowlers and spinners.
- Fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami benefit from the SG ball’s ability to maintain its seam for a long period. The hardness of the ball also allows them to extract bounce and movement in the early overs.
- As the ball ages, it becomes a weapon for spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. The prominent seam helps the ball grip the surface, making it ideal for turning pitches in India. This gives spinners extra revolutions on the ball, making it harder for batsmen to play.
The SG ball has a reputation for maintaining its quality longer than its counterparts, which is why it is favored for Test matches in India, where games often extend to the full five days.
Why Different Balls for Different Conditions?
The use of different cricket balls in Test matches reflects the varying playing conditions across countries. In England and the West Indies, where overcast conditions and moisture prevail, the Dukes ball is preferred due to its ability to swing for long periods. In India, the SG ball is perfect for dry, spin-friendly tracks that require a durable seam and grip for spinners. In places like Australia and South Africa, where pitches are fast and bouncy, the Kookaburra ball provides a true bounce, offering an even contest between bat and ball.
Each of these balls is tailored to specific conditions, making Test cricket a dynamic and challenging format that tests the adaptability of players across various regions.
Conclusion: The SG Ball – India’s Trusted Weapon
In Test cricket, the type of ball used can make or break a match, dictating how bowlers approach their spells and how batsmen negotiate deliveries. For the Indian team, the SG ball has been a trusted weapon for decades, perfectly complementing the subcontinent’s unique conditions. Whether it’s the fast bowlers making the most of the bounce or the spinners exploiting turn on a wearing pitch, the SG ball has played a crucial role in shaping India’s success in home Test matches.
As India continues to dominate Test cricket at home, the SG ball remains a key component of their strategy, ensuring that both fast bowlers and spinners can thrive in Indian conditions.