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Men's ODI Match Clause 4: The Ball

4. THE BALL

4.1. Weight and size

The ball, when new, shall weigh not less than 5.5 ounces/155.9 g, nor more than 5.75 ounces/163 g, and shall measure not less than 8.81 in/22.4 cm, nor more than 9 in/22.9 cm in circumference.

4.2. Approval and control of balls

  • 4.2.1. The Home Board shall provide white cricket balls of an approved standard for ODI cricket and spare used balls for changing during a match, which shall also be of the same brand. Note: The Home Board shall be required to advise the Visiting Board of the brand of ball to be used in the match(es) at least 30 days prior to the start of the match(es).
  • 4.2.2. The fielding captain or his nominee may select the ball with which he wishes to bowl from the supply provided by the Home Board. The fourth umpire shall take a box containing at least 6 new balls to the dressing room and supervise the selection of the ball.
  • 4.2.3. The umpires shall retain possession of the match ball(s) throughout the duration of the match when play is not actually taking place.
  • 4.2.4. During play umpires shall periodically and irregularly inspect the condition of the ball and shall retain possession of it at the fall of a wicket, a drinks interval, or any other disruption in play.

4.3. New ball

  • 4.3.1. Each fielding team shall have two new balls for its innings, to be used in alternate overs i.e. one from each end.
  • 4.3.2. In a match reduced to 25 overs or less per side before the first innings commences, each team shall have only one new ball for its Innings.

4.4. Ball lost or becoming unfit for play

If, during play, the ball cannot be found or recovered or the umpires agree that it has become unfit for play through normal use, the umpires shall replace it with a ball which has had wear comparable with that which the previous ball had received before the need for its replacement. When the ball is replaced, the umpire shall inform the batsmen and the fielding captain.