New Ball in Cricket
What the new ball means in cricket, when teams can take it, how it behaves differently from an old ball, and the strategic decisions around the second new ball in Tests.
What Is the New Ball in Cricket?
The new ball is a freshly manufactured cricket ball used at the start of an innings or, in Tests, after 80 overs when a second new ball becomes available. It is harder, shinier, and has a more prominent seam than an old ball — making it more likely to swing and seam through the air and off the pitch.
New Ball Availability by Format
| Format | New Ball Rule |
|---|---|
| Test Cricket | One new ball per innings. Second new ball available after 80 overs (fielding captain's choice) |
| ODI Cricket | Two new balls — one from each end. Each used for approximately 34 overs per innings |
| T20 Cricket | One new ball per innings. Typically used for all 20 overs |
How the New Ball Behaves
- Hard surface — creates fastest bounce and carry to the keeper
- High shine — enables conventional outswing (polished side moves through the air differently from the rough side)
- Prominent seam — can hit the seam and deviate sharply off the pitch
- Resistance — harder balls come onto the bat faster, reducing response time
The Second New Ball in Test Cricket
After 80 overs in a Test innings, the fielding captain may choose to take the second new ball. This is usually a straightforward decision — the new ball offers the chance to break batting partnerships and exploit swing again. However, some captains delay if their spinners are bowling effectively with the old ball through a rough spot.
Ball Conditions and Reverse Swing
As the ball ages (typically from 40 overs onward), the old ball loses its shine but can be maintained by polishing one side while the other roughens naturally. This asymmetry enables reverse swing — where the ball curves toward the rough side at high pace, the opposite direction of conventional swing. Reverse swing is specifically an old-ball phenomenon and cannot occur with the new ball.
Frequently asked questions
When can a team take the second new ball in Test cricket?
The fielding team can take the second new ball after 80 overs have been bowled in that innings. It is the fielding captain's choice — they can delay or decline, though declining is rare.
Why do ODI matches use two new balls?
Two new balls (one from each end) were introduced to ODI cricket in 2012 to encourage swing bowling in an era when flat pitches and high scoring had made it difficult for pace bowlers. Two new balls ensure both ends always have a shiny ball for swing.