Best Cricket Balls for Australian Conditions and Pitches

 Australia is home to some of the world’s best cricket players. With the growing trend among youth to follow cricket, the demand for cricket equipment is also on the rise. However, not many people know about the difference between the varying types of Cricket balls. This blog goes in detail about the different types of balls in cricket.

What are cricket balls?

These balls are specially made for use in cricket. They are made with materials that help them bounce much better on a cricket pitch. Additionally, they are designed in a way that helps the ball swing more efficiently. These balls come in different types depending on how you want to play.

How many types of cricket balls are there?

There are many different types of balls available in the market. They mainly vary based on their material or purpose. Some of the most common types of balls used in cricket are as follows:

Leather balls

Leather cricket balls are used for professional cricket matches. They are much more expensive than other balls and come in a leather casing. They are made by tightly wounding layers of string around a cork core. This allows the ball to maintain weight and perform ideally in various climate conditions. Moreover, it also helps the ball bounce properly on the pitch. Contrary to normal tennis balls, these balls are much harder and provide a much-improved grip.

Synthetic balls

Synthetic balls are generally used for practice purposes. They are made of a synthetic material that gives a leather-like feel to the ball. These balls are usually much more affordable than leather balls and are ideal for practice sessions. The synthetic nature of the balls makes them a bit softer. This allows the bats to last longer as they do not witness the same type of wear compared to leather balls. Moreover, they can also be used for friendly indoor cricket sessions.

Tennis balls

Tennis balls are made from a much softer material. They are easily available and are highly inexpensive. Thanks to their user-friendly nature, they are widely used in casual cricket matches and are safe for all age groups. With the growing trend of street cricket, tennis balls are becoming widely popular in Australia. You can find them easily in cricket sports shops near you.

Wind balls

Made from plastic, these balls are designed specifically for swing practice. They are widely used in practice sessions by swing bowlers. They are available in a wide variety of weights. This helps the bowlers to practice in a dynamic environment.

Which are some of the most prominent cricket balls?

Professional cricket matches use a range of well-recognized balls. This is mainly because of their predictable performance as well as high quality. If you play cricket professionally, you must be aware of some of the prominent cricket balls used internationally. They are listed as follows:

Kookaburra

These balls are predominantly used in short-form cricket matches with limited overs. The hard nature of the ball makes it highly durable and an ideal candidate for bouncy pitches. Additionally, the design of the ball allows it to provide consistent performance throughout the innings. The Australian-origin Kookaburra balls are widely used in international cricket matches thanks to their consistent performance. However, they can be a bit pricy.

Dukes

If you are looking for a ball that is great for swing, look no further. Dukes cricket ball is best for swing and seam bowlers because of its pronounced seam. Hailing from England, this ball is used in many parts of the world such as England, Ireland, etc. This ball is also more suitable for Test matches.

SG (Sabspareils Greenlands)

The thicker, hand-stitched seam of this ball allows a better grip and also helps spin the ball more efficiently. This ball provides excellent performance on pitches that are spin-friendly. The ball is used in different subcontinental countries. Mostly used in test matches, these balls are the right tool for a spin bowler.

Platypus

In Australian conditions, some balls may perform unpredictably. That is because each country has a unique climate. While a ball may perform exceptionally in one region it may not in another. This is why the ball named Platypus was created. Made specifically for Australian conditions, it does exactly what is expected. It is more suited to club-level cricket and provides a cost-effective solution to its more expensive counterparts. The ball is very durable and provides great performance.

Gray-Nicolls

With an aim to provide good quality for its users while being cost-effective, this cricket ball is great for casual cricket matches. It provides good performance and is very cost-effective as well. This makes it a great choice for players who wish to play casually without breaking the bank.

What types of pitches are there in Australia?

Being one of the most well-known countries in cricket, Australia has a variety of cricket pitches. Generally, you would find the following types of pitches in Australia:

• Bouncy pitches

Australian pitches are known to provide great bounce and pace. The absence of grass on the pitch allows the ball to bounce properly. This makes it great for fast bowlers as the pitch compliments the speed of the ball.

• Dry pitches

The hot climate of Australia, causes the pitches to get dry and abrasive. Some areas have hotter climates than the rest which results in a drier pitch. This creates an ideal environment for swing bowlers. The abrasive surface of the pitch allows the cricket ball to swing easily, thus benefiting swing bowlers greatly.

• Grass covered pitches

Grass often forms on pitches due to rain. This creates a better opportunity for fast bowlers and seamers alike. Additionally, the bowlers can exploit the movement of the ball as it goes off the seam thus creating a deadly combination. 

• Flat pitches

Australia has a lot of pitches that are smooth and evenly prepared. These pitches usually have minimal grass and don't provide much of an edge to the bowler. Due to their flat nature, they favor neither fast nor swing bowlers thus, requiring strategic ball placement.

How to find the right cricket ball?

Considering the wide range of pitches available in Australia, it all comes down to the exact pitch you plan to play on. Different balls have different features that make them perform optimally in certain conditions. Thus, you should consider the climate and pitch conditions to identify the right ball for the game. Additionally, you should consider the following parameters when choosing the ball:

• Match Format

The type of ball you choose can greatly be inspired by the cricket match format you wish to play in. Different balls have different durability and performance and hence perform differently in different match formats. For example: A ball made for test matches may not perform the same in a one-day match. Thus, identifying the match format is crucial.

• Match Level

Another important thing you need to keep in mind is the level of cricket you wish to play. For example: you will need a higher-end ball in a professional cricket match. However, you would not need the same ball in a casual match and a good practice ball will get the job done.

• Budget

Budget is another crucial factor that directly influences the purchase decision. It is advised to devise a clear budget before you jump in the market for cricket balls. This will help you determine the right ball and get rid of any choices that are above your budget. This is practically a great way to filter out unnecessary options while making a purchase decision.

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Check out the wide range of products on our website and find your favorite cricket products.Our dedicated online chat support is specially made for our customers to help them with their purchase decisions. So, wait no further and place an order for your desired cricket balls before we run out of stock.