GuideOct 27, 20264 min read
Cricket Ball Colours: Why Red, White and Pink?
The colour of the ball changes how it moves and how well players can see it. Each colour exists for a reason.
Red ball
Used in Test and first-class cricket played in daylight. It gives good swing and seam early on and wears in a way that can produce reverse swing later.
White ball
Used in ODIs and T20s, which are often played under floodlights. White is easier to see at night, and the ball tends to swing early and then go flat.
Pink ball
Used in day-night Tests. It was introduced because red is hard to see under lights. It tends to swing and seam more, especially at dusk.
New balls in ODIs
Many ODI rules use two new balls, one from each end, which changes the way the ball ages and swings.
Caring for the ball
Players polish one side to keep it shiny. Rules about what is allowed change over time, so check the current regulations of each competition.
Quick answers
Why is the pink ball controversial?
Some players find it harder to see at dusk and say it behaves differently as it ages.
Can a ball be changed during a match?
Yes. Umpires replace a ball that is damaged or has lost its shape, using one of similar wear.