In cricket, what is the "new ball" phase?
VerifiedAnswer: The phase when a fresh, harder ball is taken after a set number of overs (typically 80 in Tests), primarily benefiting fast bowlers with increased swing and bounce.
Explanation:
The new ball phase in cricket represents one of the most exciting periods of the game, especially for fast bowlers and their teams. When a cricket match begins, both teams start with a brand new, shiny ball that has a hard leather surface and prominent seam. However, as the game progresses and overs are bowled, the ball gradually loses its shine, becomes softer, and the seam flattens out, making it less effective for pace bowling.
In Test cricket, the fielding team has the option to take a new ball after 80 overs have been bowled with the old one. This rule exists because by this point, the original ball has typically lost most of its effectiveness for pace bowling. The captain can choose when to take this new ball, though most teams opt for it immediately when it becomes available, especially if they have quality fast bowlers in their squad.
The new ball brings several advantages that can dramatically change the course of a match. First, it swings more through the air due to the shiny surface on one side, allowing bowlers to move the ball laterally and deceive batsmen. Second, it bounces higher and travels faster off the pitch because of its hardness, making it more challenging for batters to time their shots perfectly. Third, the prominent seam can grip the pitch surface better, creating unpredictable movement off the wicket.
Teams often plan their bowling strategy around the new ball phase. Captains typically bring back their best fast bowlers when the new ball is taken, even if they've been resting. The fielding positions are usually set more aggressively, with slips and close catchers in place to take advantage of any edges or mistimed shots that the new ball might induce.
For batsmen, the new ball phase requires extra concentration and technique. Many experienced batters adopt a more cautious approach initially, focusing on leaving balls outside off-stump and playing with soft hands to minimize the risk of edges carrying to the slip fielders. The key is to survive the initial period when the ball is doing the most, after which it becomes easier to score runs as the ball loses its shine and hardness again.
In limited-overs cricket like ODIs and T20s, teams get two new balls (one from each end) in ODIs, while T20 matches use just one ball throughout due to their shorter duration. The impact of the new ball is particularly significant in Test cricket, where it can lead to dramatic shifts in momentum and often produces some of the most thrilling passages of play in the longest format of the game.