In this edition of “How’s That” we will be looking at one of the most important components of the game, the Ball. Before the match, umpires must decide which type, and how many balls are to be used in a match. During play, the umpire must take possession of the ball at the fall of every wicket and at every interval or interruption.
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.
Approval and control of balls
All balls to be used in the match, having been determined by the umpires, shall be in the possession of the umpires before the toss and shall remain under their control throughout the match. The umpire shall take possession of the ball in use at the fall of each wicket, at the start of any interval and at any interruption of play.
New ball
Unless an agreement to the contrary has been made before the match, either captain may demand a new ball at the start of each innings.
New ball in match of more than one day’s duration
In a match of more than one day’s duration, the captain of the fielding side may demand a new ball when the number of overs, excluding any part overs, bowled with the old one is equal to or greater than 80 overs. The umpire shall inform the other umpire and indicate to the batsmen and the scorers whenever a new ball is taken into play.
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. Balls can often be lost at any level of the game, particularly on smaller grounds. It can become unfit for play if it loses its shape, becomes too wet to use even if the seam is damaged. It will be the umpires jointly who decide, independently of the players, that the ball is unfit for play. Furthermore, it can be useful for each umpire to carry a used spare ball on the field, particularly at a ground where balls are likely to be lost.
*For an umpire to signal a new ball is being used he/she simply raises the ball above their head.
Source: Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring (Law 4)
Interested in learning more about the Laws of Cricket? Please feel free to join the North Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Training classes utilize a combination of PowerPoint presentations, verbal discussions, quizzes, and on-field demonstrations when the laws of cricket are being taught. Training classes are free of charge and persons male or female and of any age are welcome to join. For more information please contact (868)464-8005.
You made a good point when you shared that an umpire is responsible to take ownership of the ball at the fall of every wicket and at every interval. Meanwhile, it is important to decide which type, and how many balls to use in a match before the game starts. I would like to think if someone is interested to become an umpire, he should look for a reliable place that can offer the training.