Cricket balls are central to cricket. A match can’t even start without a ball. That’s the significance they hold in the bat-and-ball game.
So it’s also important to use balls that are in the right condition and shape. After all, what’s the point of playing cricket in the first place?
And to ensure the quality of the ball, umpires use one of their pieces of equipment. What’s that, you ask?
It’s the ball gauge.
But what exactly is a ball gauge in cricket?
A ball gauge is a ring-shaped piece of equipment. It has two rings, which help umpires check if the ball has lost its shape or not.
The two rings, though, are of different dimensions. One ring has the minimum permissible dimension, while the other has the maximum.
How do umpires use the ball gauge?
The ball gauge helps umpires determine if the ball is within the permissible dimensions. They try to pass the ball through both rings.
If the ball goes through one ring and doesn’t from the other, then the ball is in permissible shape. But if the ball goes through both hoops or doesn’t pass through either, then the ball has lost its shape.
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What happens after a ball loses its shape?
When the ball doesn’t pass the ball gauge test, it’s considered as deformed. And once the umpires confirm it, they ask for a replacement ball.
You must’ve seen the fourth umpire running on the field with a box full of balls. The box contains several used cricket balls.
The on-field umpires scan through the box and pick a ball that’s as close in condition to the one that needs replacement. The replacement ball also goes through the gauge test. Once the umpires find a right fit, they hand the changed ball to the fielding side.
But why change the deformed ball?
A ball that has lost its shape can be tricky to play with. Both bowlers and batters might face difficulties due to its unpredictable behaviour.
Bowlers won’t be able to swing or seam the ball properly. Batters, on the other hand, might encounter uneven bounce, which can lead to their dismissal or even injury.
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