Top 10 changes in cricket in the past decade

#7. Two new balls in ODIs

ICC reverted to the use of two new balls in ODI cricket in 2011

The cricket ball has had an interesting journey when it comes to ODI cricket. Earlier, just like the Test format, the ball used to be red to complement the white clothing. However, as the Kerry Packer-led revolution in the late 1970s brought in colored clothing to ODIs, the color of the ball changed from red to white.

However, it was not until 1992 that the white ball made its debut at the World Cup. At that time, the ICC stipulated the usage of two new white balls from both ends. This rule though underwent several modifications and at the start of the decade, there was a provision for a change in the ball after the 34th over.

The use of such an old ball meant that reverse swing could be expected, which kept batsmen on their toes. Much to everybody's surprise, however, the ICC rolled back the years in 2011 and decided to revert to the two new ball rule from 1992. As this moved ringed in several high-scoring matches at the peril of bowlers, it drew the ire of the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Dale Steyn, and Mahela Jayawardene.