Cricket Balls: Red, White and Pink — The Differences Explained
Cricket uses red balls in Test cricket, white balls in limited-overs cricket, and pink balls in day-night Tests. This guide explains why different colours are used and how each affects play.
Cricket uses three different ball colours for different match formats, each with specific characteristics: red balls for Test cricket and most first-class cricket, white balls for all limited-overs formats (ODIs, T20Is, domestic white-ball cricket), and pink balls for day-night Test matches. The different colours are not merely cosmetic — they affect how the ball behaves in terms of swing, seam movement, reverse swing and how it ages over the course of an innings. Choosing the right ball for each format is a fundamental aspect of cricket's rules and preparation.
The Red Ball
The traditional red cricket ball is made of a cork core wound with twine and covered in four pieces of stitched leather (two pieces per hemisphere with the prominent seam between them). Red balls are used in Test matches and most first-class cricket. A red ball swings when new (the lacquer preserves the leather and creates asymmetrical airflow), reverses swing when old (after approximately 40-50 overs the rough side creates different airflow conditions). Spinners generally find red balls helpful in their later stages. Different manufacturers (Dukes in England, Kookaburra in Australia/South Africa, SG in India) produce red balls with different seam heights and leather hardness, creating different playing characteristics.
White and Pink Balls
White balls were introduced for limited-overs cricket to improve visibility under floodlights and against coloured clothing. White balls are treated differently to red balls — they deteriorate more quickly and lose their hardness sooner. In ODIs, two new white balls are used (one from each end) to counteract deterioration and make reverse swing less likely. Pink balls were developed for day-night Test cricket to be visible in twilight and under floodlights — a time when white balls look 'yellow' and red balls become very difficult to see. The pink ball typically behaves differently in swing terms to the red ball, often swinging more in the twilight period (the 'magic hour') under artificial light.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a red ball used in Test cricket?
The red cricket ball is traditional — it has been used since the earliest days of the game. Red leather remains visible against white clothing and against the grass outfield during daytime play. The red ball's distinctive swing and reverse swing characteristics have shaped Test cricket's bowling tactics for centuries.
Why do ODIs use two white balls?
One-Day Internationals use two white balls (one from each end of the pitch) simultaneously. This was introduced to prevent the ball from deteriorating too much — in a 50-over innings, a single ball would become very soft and damp, reducing bowlers' ability to create movement. Using two balls (one from each end) means each ball only bowls from one end and stays harder for longer.
How does a pink ball differ from a red ball?
Pink balls are manufactured similarly to red balls but use pink-dyed leather for visibility under artificial lights and during twilight. Pink balls tend to have a lacquer that lasts slightly differently to red balls, often resulting in more consistent swing over more overs. Players and commentators have noted that the pink ball can behave more erratically in the twilight session, creating the distinctive 'magic hour' that strongly favours bowlers.