Cricket Ball Types Explained — Red, White, Pink and the Differences
An in-depth look at cricket ball types: red, white and pink balls, the three main manufacturers (Kookaburra, Dukes, SG), and how each affects swing, seam and batting.
The Three Ball Colours
Cricket uses three ball colours depending on format: red in Test cricket, white in ODIs and T20Is (with two balls per innings in ODIs — one from each end — to maintain hardness), and pink in day-night Tests. The colour affects visibility under different lighting conditions. Red balls are easiest to see in natural daylight against green outfields; white balls show up clearly at night under floodlights; pink balls were developed as a compromise for day-night Tests where the red ball became invisible under artificial lighting.
Kookaburra: The Global Standard
Kookaburra balls, manufactured in Australia, are used in most international cricket outside England and India. Kookaburra balls have a prominent seam initially, but the lacquer softens quickly and the seam flattens after approximately 30–40 overs, reducing conventional swing and seam movement. This is why Kookaburra-using nations often rely on reverse swing in the 50–80 over range in Tests. The ball also tends to skid through lower off the pitch compared to Dukes, favouring stroke play in middle overs.
Dukes: England's Hand-Stitched Ball
Dukes balls are hand-stitched and maintain their seam prominence far longer than Kookaburra — sometimes 60–70 overs. This sustained seam allows English conditions specialists like James Anderson to generate conventional swing deep into an innings. The raised seam also interacts with the damp, grassy pitches common in England to produce pronounced seam movement off the surface. Dukes balls are used in all Tests in England and West Indies, as well as Ireland and some associate nations.
SG (Sanspareils Greenlands): India's Ball
SG balls, manufactured in Meerut, India, are used in all Tests on the subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka). The SG ball has a hard lacquer that wears away relatively quickly, but its distinctive wide seam sits proud for longer than a Kookaburra. SG balls tend to swing sharply when new, then spin and seam more as they age and the surface roughens. Visiting teams often struggle to adapt to the SG ball's behaviour on Indian and Sri Lankan pitches.
How Ball Condition Changes the Game
Ball condition is one of the most influential tactical variables in cricket, particularly in Test matches. A new ball (first 20 overs) promotes pace, seam, and conventional swing. A middle-aged ball (overs 20–50) is generally easiest to bat against. An older ball (50+ overs) can either be taken apart by aggressive batting or used by skilled fast bowlers to generate reverse swing — where the ball curves toward the rough side instead of the shiny side. Spinners thrive when the ball loses its lacquer and starts to turn on a worn pitch.
Frequently asked questions
Why do ODIs use two balls from each end?
In ODIs, two balls (one from each end of the pitch) are used simultaneously per innings, each started new at the beginning of the innings. This prevents the ball from getting too old and reversing, which would benefit bowlers excessively and depress scores in the final overs. Both balls are changed together at 34 overs if necessary.
Can fielders shine one side of the cricket ball?
Yes — players are allowed to shine the ball using saliva (historically) or sweat. Artificial substances and scratching the surface are illegal (ball-tampering). Differential shine between the two halves creates the pressure difference that generates swing. Since COVID-19, the ICC banned saliva use, permitting only sweat — a rule that remains in place internationally.
Which ball travels furthest when hit?
A harder, newer ball typically travels further off the bat. Old balls lose their hardness and produce less carry. White ODI/T20 balls are often kept harder for longer to facilitate high scoring in shorter formats — contributing to the high strike rates seen in T20 cricket.