New Ball Rules in Cricket Explained
When can a team take the new ball in cricket, and why does it matter so much? A complete guide to new ball rules in Tests, ODIs, and T20s.
The new ball is one of the most powerful assets a fielding side possesses in cricket. A brand-new ball is hard, has a pronounced seam, and is covered in lacquer — it swings in the air, seams off the pitch, and bounces more consistently than an old ball. The fielding captain's right to take a new ball at specific intervals is one of the most important tactical controls in Test cricket.
New Ball Rules by Format
| Format | Initial New Ball | Second New Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Test cricket | Start of each innings | Available after 80 overs (can be delayed) |
| ODI (50 overs) | Two new balls used (one from each end) | N/A |
| T20 (20 overs) | One new ball per innings | N/A |
The Second New Ball in Tests
In Test cricket, after 80 overs of bowling in an innings, the fielding captain may request a second new ball. The captain can choose to delay taking it — perhaps waiting for a particular bowler to be ready, or not wanting to break a successful old-ball spell. Once taken, the ball cannot be returned.
ODI Two-New-Ball Rule
In ODI cricket, two new balls are used simultaneously from each end — one from the pavilion end and one from the other. This change (introduced in 2012) means both balls are relatively new throughout the entire innings, reducing the opportunity for reverse swing with an old ball. It produces more seam-friendly conditions in the middle overs and is one reason ODI cricket has become higher-scoring in the modern era.
Why the New Ball Is So Valuable
- Seam movement: the raised seam creates lateral movement off the pitch that the old, flat-seamed ball cannot
- Swing: the lacquered surface allows conventional swing in the air
- Hardness: the new ball bounces more consistently and carries better to the wicketkeeper
- Psychological: batsmen know a new ball attack with fresh fast bowlers is the most dangerous period of any Test innings
Frequently asked questions
Can the batting team request a new ball?
No. Only the fielding side (the bowling captain) can choose to take the new ball. The batting side has no power to request or refuse a new ball — it is entirely the fielding captain's tactical decision.
What happens to the old ball when a new ball is taken?
The old ball is discarded from play and kept as a backup in case the new ball is lost (e.g. hit into the crowd or damaged). In Test cricket, if the ball is damaged or goes out of shape, the umpires may replace it with a ball of comparable wear from their pocket — they keep a selection of used balls at various stages of wear.