What size are cricket balls?
How many different sizes of cricket balls are used in your net and do you know which size cricket ball big w to use? Cricket nets are held during the off-season. Usually, 3 months before the season starts. Also, we have a mix of men, women, and youth team players in these nets.
I was recently asked what shape cricket bowlers should bowl. I thought I knew but couldn’t tell what the size (circumference) of the ball should be because cricketers only refer to the size in terms of weight.
What are the official rules of cricket ball size?
Official Law 5 on cricket balls states the following sizes:-
Full size (male cricket) 5 ½ oz to 5 ¾ oz (154 g to 165 g). It should also measure 22.4cm and 22.9cm in circumference. The ball used in adult cricket is 5 1/2 ounces which are 156 grams
Intermediate (female cricket) 4 15/16 oz to 5 1/16 oz (140 g to 151 g). Its circumference should be between 21cm and 22.5cm. The ball used in intermediate or women’s cricket is 5 oz which is 142 grams
Youth (Junior Cricket) (u13) 4 11/16 oz to 5 1/16 oz (133g to 144g). Its circumference should be between 20.5cm and 22.5cm. The ball used in youth cricket is 4 3/4 ounces which is 135 grams
Can youth cricket balls be used for women’s cricket?
Most of people who know about cricket are under the impression that a ball of correct weight is required. This is not correct as tolerance is allowed for manufacturing purposes. All cricket balls have a tolerance of 11 grams. A junior ball can weigh 133g to 144g, a women’s or intermediate ball weighs 140g to 151g and a full-size ball weighs 154 to 165g.
Cricket balls have been known as Junior, Ladies, and Men’s for as long as I can remember but this is likely to change in the very near future. We understand that discussions are ongoing about trying to update the categories to ensure that the definition is current. I have used the definition proposed above and used the old shape names in brackets for clarity. I think this is a wise move because a youth ball can weigh up to 144 grams and if the size is between 21 cm and 22.5 cm, it can be suitable for intermediate cricket as well.
These sizes and weights apply to new cricket balls only.
Can you tell different sizes of cricket balls by sight?
We now offer 3 different sizes in our net sessions. The only problem is that they are not marked as male, female or junior. A new Leather cricket ball may have the same weight or shape but after regular use, it fades. After this, we find it quite difficult to tell the difference, as the size is very close. Surely it wouldn’t be possible to introduce a marking system to make it easier for manufacturers to tell the difference?
This would really make sense, as there is no point in practicing with the wrong size ball. For a player to improve his skills at the optimum rate, the size of the cricket ball must be right.