London, July 17: One of the talking points during the ongoing England-India Test series has been the frequent replacement of cricket balls due to them losing shape mid-innings.
But where do these replacement balls come from? How are they selected? And is there ever a truly “like-for-like” substitute? Here’s a closer look at the behind-the-scenes mechanics of Test cricket’s ball replacement protocol.
What is the ball library?
Before every Test match, the host cricket association is tasked with supplying used balls—typically from domestic first-class matches played at the venue.
For instance, Lancashire supplies balls at Old Trafford, while the Mumbai Cricket Association does so at Wankhede. These balls are handed over to the fourth umpire, who then checks them using a metal ring gauge. Only those balls that fit through one ring but not the other—indicating the correct size—are deemed match-ready and placed into what is colloquially known as the “ball library.”
On average, about 20 such replacement balls are kept ready at venues in India, England, and Australia. In other countries, the number may drop to 12 or so. Should there be a shortage or quality issue, the umpiring team can request additional balls from the local association.
Interestingly, the balls aren’t categorised by how many overs they’ve been used for.
A ball that’s done 60 overs on a lush green pitch might still qualify to replace one that’s been used for just 30 overs on a dry outfield. The aim is to have a range—from semi-new to old—available to the umpires.
The challenges of finding a true match
Umpires strive to maintain the integrity of the match, and so they typically only change the ball when it’s absolutely necessary—usually due to visible damage or loss of shape. Contrary to popular belief, a ball isn’t changed just because it feels soft. The rules only allow a change when the ball fails the gauge test or becomes wet or damaged.
The truth is, finding an exact replica of the ball in use is impossible. The best one can hope for is a ball with a similar degree of wear and tear. This is also why umpires are cautious about changing the ball too frequently, as any change could end up favouring one team over the other.
Beyond local matches: Other sources of replacement balls
Local first-class cricket isn’t the only source. In situations where match balls are depleting fast, teams may be asked to supply used balls from their net sessions. These are then put through the same gauge tests before entering the ball library.
Additionally, balls used in earlier matches in the same Test series can be recycled—provided they pass inspection and haven’t been claimed as memorabilia by players (such as in the case of a five-wicket haul).
There have also been rare instances when emergency replacements had to be summoned from neighbouring counties or state associations if all options ran out mid-match.
Can umpires change the ball without the bowling team’s request?
Yes, but only under exceptional circumstances—such as suspected ball tampering or significant damage. In such cases, umpires may initiate a ball change without consulting the fielding side. However, accusations of tampering require visual evidence, and umpires usually avoid making explicit claims unless absolutely necessary.
Balls are routinely inspected after wickets fall, during drinks breaks, or if they’ve hit advertising boards or gone into the crowd—but not between overs.
Is one manufacturer more prone to defects?
Three types of balls are used in Test cricket: SG in India, Dukes in England and the West Indies, and Kookaburra elsewhere. Issues with shape retention are not confined to any one brand.
In the past, SG balls were criticised for losing shape easily. Kookaburra balls have often been called out for their less prominent seam. Dukes, currently under scrutiny, is facing repeated complaints from players on both sides during this England-India series and the concurrent series in the West Indies.
That said, much of the outrage is circumstantial. Complaints usually arise when a team is struggling to take wickets. For example, on the final day of the Lord’s Test, when England preferred a softer ball to restrict Ravindra Jadeja’s attacking shots, the shape of the ball went unquestioned.
Dukes’ unique identifier and the question of reused balls
Unlike SG and Kookaburra, Dukes balls have a batch stamp indicating their year of manufacture. This prevents older balls from previous years—or different manufacturing runs—from being used in current Test matches. This system lends a bit more transparency, even if the balls still find their way back into the game unnoticed. Once inside the ball library, there’s no way to track the ball’s exact history.
Final over irony
Ironically, the replacement ball that India chose on the second morning at Lord’s—after the original went out of shape but was offering sharp movement—proved ineffective. It went out of shape itself within eight overs, highlighting just how unpredictable this process can be.
In Test cricket, every detail matters. And while the process of ball replacement is governed by science, experience, and protocol, it still leaves enough room for uncertainty, strategy, and, at times, sheer luck. (Agencies)
