Cricket Ball Specifications — Seam, Weight, Colour, and the Laws
Everything about the cricket ball: weight and size requirements, the raised seam, red vs white vs pink balls, how the ball changes over an innings, and what ball tampering means.
The cricket ball is defined by Law 4 of the Laws of Cricket. It is one of the most precisely specified pieces of equipment in any sport — because tiny variations in surface condition, seam position, and weight distribution govern how the ball moves through the air and off the pitch, directly affecting the contest between bat and ball.
Legal Specifications
| Specification | Men's | Women's |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 155.9–163 g (5.5–5.75 oz) | 140–151 g (4.94–5.31 oz) |
| Circumference | 224–229 mm (8.81–9.00 in) | 210–220 mm (8.25–8.68 in) |
| Seam | Raised, stitched through leather quarters | Same construction |
Ball Colours and Formats
Three different ball colours are used in international cricket, each suited to specific conditions and formats.
- Red ball: Used in Test cricket and first-class cricket. Made of red leather, it swings in conditions with overhead cloud cover and reverse swings when old and scuffed on one side. The ball changes after 80 overs in Tests.
- White ball: Used in ODI and T20 cricket. White balls are lacquered differently and behave differently from red balls — they tend to swing less conventionally and grip the surface differently when worn. In ODIs, each team uses one new white ball per innings (introduced 2011).
- Pink ball: Used in day-night Test cricket under floodlights. The pink colour improves visibility under lights. Pink balls have a different lacquer and tend to move more unpredictably at twilight, creating what is called the 'twilight hour' — a dangerous period for batting.
Ball Manufacturers
Three manufacturers supply balls at international level: Dukes (used in England and the West Indies — known for heavy seam and conventional swing), Kookaburra (used in Australia, South Africa, India for white-ball and in most Asian Tests — smoother seam, less conventional swing but more reverse swing when old), and SG (used in India — hand-stitched seam, suits subcontinental pitches).
How the Ball Ages Through an Innings
A new ball is hard, shiny, and swings conventionally (moving through the air in the direction of the seam position). As the ball ages, it becomes softer and the shine is rubbed off one side while the fielding team deliberately maintains the shine on the other. This asymmetry creates reverse swing — where the ball moves in the opposite direction to conventional swing, baffling batters who expect normal movement. The old ball also spins more slowly and may seam less predictably off the surface.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cricket ball weigh?
A men's cricket ball weighs between 155.9 and 163 grams (5.5 to 5.75 ounces). A women's ball is slightly lighter at 140 to 151 grams.
What is the difference between Dukes and Kookaburra balls?
Dukes balls have a more prominent hand-stitched seam that creates more conventional swing and lasts longer in good condition — suits English and Caribbean conditions. Kookaburra balls have a machine-stitched seam that flattens faster, leading to more reverse swing when the ball is old — suits Australian and South African hard pitches.
Why is a pink ball used in day-night Tests?
The pink ball is more visible under floodlights than red or white balls. White balls glare under artificial light; red balls are hard to see as the floodlit sky transitions from day to dusk. The pink ball offers a compromise that maintains visibility throughout the playing hours.