The Two New Balls Rule in ODI Cricket Explained
How the two new balls rule works in ODI cricket — when it was introduced, why it changed the game, and its impact on bowling and batting strategy.
The Rule Explained
In ODI cricket, each fielding team has two new balls available per innings — one taken at the start of the innings and a second new ball available from over 34 onwards. The fielding team chooses when after over 34 to take the second ball. Both balls will be hard and swing-friendly when new, giving fast bowlers two distinct phases of pace and swing opportunity per innings.
Why It Was Introduced
The two new balls rule was introduced by the ICC in 2012, replacing the single-ball system that had been in use since ODI cricket began. The change was designed to bring more seam bowling into the middle overs (previously the hardest phase for pace bowlers as the ball softened). In theory it reduces the advantage of batting first — the fielding team has a hard ball again in the final 17 overs.
Impact on Bowling Strategy
Captains now plan two 'opening spells' per innings rather than one. The first new ball gets pace and swing in overs 1-10; the second new ball provides a reset in overs 34-50. This means teams carry two frontline pace bowlers through to the death rather than relying heavily on medium-pacers when the old ball softened and stopped swinging.
Impact on Batting
Batting totals in ODIs have risen significantly in the two-ball era, partly due to pitches and small boundaries, but the second new ball has made the final 15 overs a more even contest than critics predicted. The hardest phase to bat — the powerplay (overs 1-10) — remains unchanged. The critical adjustment for batters is managing the swing on the fresh second ball from over 34.
Frequently asked questions
When can the fielding team take the second new ball in an ODI?
In ODI cricket, the second new ball becomes available from over 34 onwards. The fielding captain can choose to take it at any point from that over, but most captains wait until the start of over 34 to maximise the fresh ball's impact in the death overs.
Does T20 cricket also use two new balls?
Yes. T20 cricket also uses two new balls per innings — one from each end, both starting fresh. Because a T20 innings is only 20 overs, neither ball gets old enough to reverse swing, so the advantage of hard balls lasts throughout the match.
How long do ODI balls last before they stop swinging?
An ODI ball typically swings well in the first 15-20 overs before it starts to soften and lose hardness. Some balls deteriorate faster on dry, abrasive pitches. Under the two-ball system, the second ball's freshness in overs 34-50 effectively resets this swing window.