New Ball Rules in Cricket
When can a team take the new ball in cricket? The rules for Tests, ODIs, and T20s, and why the new ball is such a key tactical weapon.
The new ball is a critical tactical weapon in cricket. A fresh ball is harder, shinier, and produces more seam movement and swing than an older, worn ball. The rules on when teams can take a new ball vary by format.
New Ball Rules by Format
| Format | New ball taken |
|---|---|
| Test cricket | At the start of each innings; again available after 80 overs |
| ODI | Two new balls — one from each end at the start of the innings |
| T20 | Two new balls — one from each end at the start of the innings |
Test Cricket — The 80-Over New Ball
In Test cricket the fielding captain may take the new ball after 80 overs of the innings. Taking it immediately is not mandatory — some captains hold the old ball to exploit reverse swing (which requires an older ball). The decision of when to take the new ball is a significant tactical choice.
Why Two New Balls in White-Ball Cricket?
In ODIs and T20s, using two new balls (one from each end) was introduced to increase scoring rates — old balls can produce trickier conditions for batting. With two fresh balls throughout the innings, the surface remains harder and easier to hit, particularly in the first and last 10 overs of an ODI.
Frequently asked questions
Must a captain always take the new ball after 80 overs?
No — the captain may choose to continue with the old ball. If the old ball is producing reverse swing, many captains delay the new ball to capitalise.
What condition does the replacement ball match?
If a ball is lost or damaged, it is replaced by a ball of similar wear — umpires select from a set of balls kept at various wear levels to match the overs already bowled.