Cricket Ball Tips

A cricket ball starts life hard and shiny. At 9 inches round it's the same size as a baseball but half an ounce heavier. The ball must last almost 500 deliveries and endure some hard hitting before it becomes worn and a little softer. These tips show how to get the most out of it when bowling, catching and batting.

  1. Maintenance

    • At the start of the game, as the fielding side, treat the ball like a precious stone. Savor its pristine red shine and its ability to swing. Try to keep it as long as possible. As the game progresses, the shine fades. Bowlers should rub one side vigorously, letting the other get dull with wear. This makes the ball swing in the direction the bowler wants, into or away from the batsman. Shine the ball while walking back to the start of his run-up, on the inside of the pelvis, the back of the leg or the buttocks.
      In "Cricket for Dummies," author Julian Knight warns about 'ball tampering." He says the fielding side can introduce natural products -- sweat and saliva -- to the ball but not loose dirt from the pitch. The ball may not be rubbed on the ground, and bowlers may not scrape their fingers through dirt before handling the ball, he says. But that is mild compared with the forbidden trick of bottle-top scraping that can induce erratic swing.

    Bowling

    • The grip on the ball and its release will determine the ball's movement in the air and off the pitch. As a fast bowler, grip the ball with the first two fingers up and parallel with the seam. Where you place the shinier side will determine which direction the ball swings. As a spin bowler, hold the seam across the fingers. You'll find the ball is easier to grip tight and spin if it is a bit worn.

    Catching

    • Cricket balls are hard and come at fielders fast. Only the wicket-keeper has gloves. Fielders should practice to develop a 'soft hands' catching technique, letting the ball come to you. If fielding in close, watch the ball as it hits the bat and expect it to come to you. It often will. To take high balls, first cup the hands, fingers pointing towards the target, then 'ride' the ball down to secure it.

    Batting

    • The ball is hard, so wear plenty of protection. Leg pads and gloves are a must, as is a groin protector. If you expect to face a quick bowler, use a thigh pad on the leading (left for right handers) leg, a forearm guard and a chest protector. Pad up as though you expect to take your share of deliveries on the body.

    Fielding

    • Get the body behind the ground ball by going down on one knee so if your hands miss the ball your leg will stop it.