Three different types of cricket balls are used to play the world’s 2nd biggest game. We always see the White ball for limited-overs cricket, Red ball for Test cricket, and Pink ball for day and night Test matches. But everybody has a doubt why all three formats played with one type of ball. Why are three different types of cricket balls used to play the game? What is the difference between these three types of cricket balls? Let’s find the answer.
Different Types Of Cricket Balls
Introduction Of Red Cricket Ball
Only the red ball has been used in cricket since its inception. However, when ODI cricket began in 1971, it became difficult to play ODIs with the Red Ball. Because in Test cricket, a maximum of 90 overs has bowled in a day. However, if the sunlight is good, they will bowl for a maximum of 98 overs. But at that time, the ODI cricket has split into 60 overs per innings for both sides. It means a total of 120 overs have to complete in the daytime. But it isn’t elementary to complete all the overs in a single day.
Generally, Red Ball looks excellent in the daytime. But playing cricket with a red ball under floodlights is a hazardous task because floodlights give a slight yellow color lighting. Hence the red ball appears in light brown instead of red under the floodlights. So we all perceive that the pitch is already in a bit of brown color. With this, the batsman cannot observe the reb ball properly under the floodlights.
Even the fielders and the audience don’t have good exposure to playing day and night matches with the Red ball. Even then, the ODIs are stopped when the light fails and continues on the next day. Also, the fans feel very difficult to watch ODIs in the daytime because of their office work.
Introduction Of White Cricket Ball
The White cricket ball was introduced in 1977 to solve all these problems. Also started playing one-day matches in day and night format. Accordingly, the white ball looks very clear in the dark sky. It also gives an excellent experience to spectators. However, color jerseys were initially not used to play ODI cricket. Hence wearing white jerseys and playing ODI cricket with the white ball developed another problem.
However, color jerseys were also introduced in the same year to avoid this problem. But when it comes to World Cups, only day matches had played with white jerseys and red ball until 1992. But since 1992, color jerseys and the white ball have been introduced in World Cups and started playing matches in day and night format. From there, limited-overs cricket is playing with white ball and Test cricket with the red ball.
Introduction Of Pink Cricket Ball
However, recently Pink ball had introduced into Test cricket for the day and night format in 2015. But as we said above, it is hazardous to play with the red ball in floodlights. Hence the Pink Ball is introduced exclusively for day and night Test matches.
However, you may doubt why day and night Test matches aren’t played with the white ball. The answer is Test cricket is played with white jerseys. So playing cricket with the white ball in the day and night Tests can be an obstacle. In Test cricket, a ball must use for a minimum of 80 overs. But the white ball is used for 50 to 60 overs. It is also a reason for using the pink ball for day and night Test matches. So till now, these three crucial types of cricket balls have been used.
Difference Between Red Ball And Pink Ball
There is no significant difference between a red ball and a pink ball. It has an extra lacquer coating to preserve color and shine longer than the red ball, which gave the pink ball initially more swing. But life on the pitch will remain the same as there will be no sunlight during day and night Test matches. It causes the pink ball to swing more at night time. Due to the conditions, there is a slight difference between the Red ball and Pink Ball, but the properties are virtually the same. Just the color of the change, that’s it.
Also Read – Why Does A Cricket Ball Swings More In Overcast Conditions – Best Explanation
Difference Between Red Ball And White Ball
There is a big difference between a red ball and a white ball.
1. Red ball seam threading is very close when compared with the white ball. It means that the stitches on the ball are closer to each other. That makes the red ball strong up to 80 overs. But the threading for the white ball is a bit wider. With this, the white ball starts shaping out by the end of 50 overs. The red cricket ball has strong threading among all three different types of cricket balls.
2. The white ball finish is very smooth. It means the entire top surface of the ball is shiny, which causes the white ball to swing more at the start of the match. But as the match progresses, the shine removes quickly, and the ball’s swing decreases apparently. But the red ball finish is a bit hard. Also, the shine part and the rough part last up to a long time. The ball swings well for a lengthy time. The white cricket ball is more smooth among all three different types of cricket balls.
3. White ball weight is higher compared to the red ball. That doesn’t feel easy to control the white ball properly. Only well-skilled bowlers stir consistently by hitting good line and length. But the red ball is less weight, so it mostly admits to the bowler. These are the significant differences between the red ball and the white ball under physical properties. The white cricket ball has more weight among all three different types of cricket balls.
However, in white-ball cricket, the batsman takes the risk and plays an attacking game. Therefore the runs are more likely to come quickly. Because in white-ball cricket, the overs are limited, so the batsman plays for runs. But in red-ball cricket, there is no scoreboard pressure. With that, the batsman bats slowly to retain his wicket. That’s why runs come at a meager pace.