| ople from all over the world turn out to watch | | | | throughout the game by the umpire. Bowlers often |
| cricket each year, or choose to watch matches from | | | | polish the ball, or at least one half of the ball, on their |
| the comfort of their living rooms. However, other | | | | trousers — leaving the famous red marks. |
| than players, experts and association members, not | | | | Some cricket trousers even come with pads to |
| many know in depth about a vital piece of cricket | | | | make this process easier. Bowlers must not, |
| equipment — the ball. | | | | however, rub the ball on the ground or use and |
| A cricket ball is designed to be solid, long lasting and | | | | substance other than sweat or saliva to aid the |
| hard. They are generally made form a cork core, | | | | polishing process. A player must also scuff the balls or |
| which is tightly bound in layers of string and then | | | | pick at seam or leather through the course of the |
| covered with leather. The leather pieces each cover | | | | game. |
| around a quarter of the ball and are sewn together, | | | | Rules relating to the replacement of balls are also |
| the seams are always slightly raised. Cricket | | | | strictly governed. A new ball is only provided when |
| equipment varies between different kinds of game | | | | after a certain number of overs have been bowled |
| and between players of different ages and/or | | | | using the old one. In Test Cricket this occurs when |
| genders. Men’s cricket balls weigh from 155.9 | | | | more than 80 overs have passed for the bowling |
| grams to 163 grams (5.5 ounces to 5.75 ounces), and | | | | side. In One Day Internationals there is a mandatory |
| are between 224 mm and 229 mm in diameter. Balls | | | | change of ball at the start of the 35th over of each |
| for women and younger people tend to be slightly | | | | innings; however the replacement, as in many cases, |
| smaller and lighter. Due to the speed the ball travels | | | | is a clean used ball rather than a new one. If a ball |
| and how hard it is, it necessitates nearby players to | | | | has been lost, damaged or illegally tampered with by |
| wear additional protective clothing, for example, | | | | a player, it is also always replaced with a clean used |
| helmets. Some schools and casual players use | | | | ball. |
| alternatives to the traditional or even tennis balls | | | | All cricket equipment is of great importance to the |
| covered with heavy duty tape for playing cricket. | | | | game. The correct equipment allows players to |
| The colour of the ball also varies occasionally | | | | perform at their best, whether they are professionals |
| — traditionally they are red, and this colour is | | | | or a small team using their local green for a casual |
| used in First Class and Test Cricket. At night white is | | | | game one summer afternoon. Understanding cricket |
| sometimes preferred due to increased visibility. | | | | equipment is one way to enhance your understanding |
| The Laws of Cricket govern how cricket equipment | | | | of cricket as a whole, and in turn, enjoy it all the |
| is used throughout the game, and the ball is no | | | | more. |
| exception. The way it is treated by players is | | | | We sell a range of sports gear, including cricket |
| monitored, and the balls condition is checked regularly | | | | equipment and goods. |