How to choose the best cricket balls for your needs

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – SEPTEMBER 18: Shane Watson and Clint MacKay of Australia retrieve a ball from the nets during a nets session at Colts Cricket Club on September 18, 2012 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

What a load of balls! That might well be the first thing you say when you step into any cricket equipment shop, or browse the selection available on a website. And you wouldn’t be wrong. When it comes to cricket balls there are dozens to choose from, and that is just when you look at adult size, classic red cricket match balls. There are also coloured balls that are used for one day matches and indoor cricket, plus a variety of softer balls that are used by juniors and for training. Then there are junior size match balls, solid rubber tennis type balls and more.

So how do you choose the best balls for your purpose, if you are not an expert in these matters already? Well hopefully this article will shed some light on the world of cricket balls and guide you towards the right ones for you.

Leather cricket balls

The classic cricketing phrase of ‘leather on willow’ comes from the fact that proper match balls are bound in quality leather, and their core is made of tightly wound string and cork – hence the colloquial term corky, which is often used for cricket balls.

A full size adult ball weights five and a half ounces and can do some damage when delivered at pace by a fast bowler; or on the other hand it can fly many a mile when struck well by a batsman. There are also smaller leather balls that are used by juniors, which are equally hard but easier to handle in smaller paws.

If you are selecting a leather cricket ball for a match, or even for practice, do not go for the cheapest. It will be poorly made and can even damage cricket bats. It is worth investing some money in good match balls and the game will benefit from a decent cricket ball.

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – SEPTEMBER 16: Luke Wright of England plays with a cricket ball during a nets session at R. Premadasa Stadium on September 16, 2012 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Coloured cricket balls

Coloured balls are also available and increasingly popular thanks to ‘pyjama cricket’, where pros and now amateurs play 20/20 and one day games in coloured kits. Again don’t go for the cheapest available and make sure your ball can be seen in front of your club’s sightscreens. A white ball and a white screen is a dangerous combination

Soft and training balls

Softer balls are available too which are used widely by juniors and are a good idea for small children, as they improve their hand-eye coordination. Adults should – as much as possible – use match balls when training so that they are used to the feel and movement of it when they field, bat and bowl.

For a full range of cricket balls and other equipment, visit www.talentcricket.co.uk | Talent Cricket today.