Twenty20 (T20) is a short cricket match limited to 20 overs per innings and 40 overs of gameplay. It lasts for about (80) minutes per innings, with a (half-an-hour) interval in between. This form is much shorter than previous forms of the game and is closer to the timespan of other popular team sports. It was introduced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2003 for the inter-county competition at the professional level. It was introduced to create a fast-paced game that would be attractive to spectators on the ground and viewers on television. Twenty20 is at the highest international or domestic level. It is one of the three current forms of cricket recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
All cricketing nations play the T20 format of cricket across the globe. It has become more popular in the Indian sub-continent, Australia, and South Africa. In most of the international tours, there is at least one Twenty20 match. In addition, all test-playing nations have a domestic cup competition.
This game has become more popular in India, where several teams have been formed, and a high-octane T20 series is played out each year. There are huge fans of this game. One of India’s most different features of the T20 format is that the various franchises are free to rope in players from cricket teams of other countries. For example, the teams have added players like Chris Gayle from West Indies, Michael Clarke from Australia, and so on. And this has not only resulted in greater cross-country participation in cricket but also has become a launching platform for various new cricketers who make their career debuts through this format.
Cricket ball
A cricket ball performs a vital role in cricket. Cricket balls can be bowled up to hundred and sixty km/h through the bowlers and made to both swing and seam. A spin bowler gives lateral revolutions on the ball on the factor of transport so that once it bounces, it deviates from an instant course. Now cricket bats have become thicker, so the ball can appropriately hit over 100 meters earlier than touching the floor.
The material used in the making of a cricket ball
Material used to make a ball are-
- cork
- string
- leather
A cricket ball is a solid hard ball used to play cricket. It consists of different layers. First, there is a cork in the inner hard core of the ball. It is made into a spherical shape. Then it is layered with tightly wound string, and then the outer layer of the ball is covered with leather. Finally, its equator is sewed with string to form the ball tough. It is manufactured according to cricket law at the first level. While bowling, a cricket ball moves in the air and off the ground entirely on the action of the bowler and the condition of the ball, and the pitch. While working on the cricket ball, acquiring the most suitable condition is a key role of the fielding side. The principal approach the batsman ratings runs is through hitting the ball, with the bat, into a position wherein it might be safe to take a run or by way of directing the ball through or over the boundary. Cricket balls are heavier as well as harder compared to baseballs.
Colour of a Cricket Ball Used in the T20
Cricket Ball plays a vital role in a cricket game. Traditionally red cricket balls were used, but now, the white cricket ball is introduced in the game. Recently, the pink ball is also used in a few test matches. However, at night, the red cricket ball has poor visibility because, under a yellow floodlight, the red ball seems brownish, which is quite similar to the colour of the pitch. Therefore, the white cricket ball is used in the T20 and One Day cricket matches.
The Difference between White and Red Cricket Balls
A white ball is used in ODI and T20. A red ball is used in test matches. According to players and cricket experts, there is some difference between these balls.
- Most people watch cricket on a television screen and through online sites. So, it is essential to appear the ball prominently. And the white ball has more visibility at night than the red ball, and it seems prominent on the display screen.
- The white ball swings more and is smoother than the red ball.
- The white ball is tougher than the red cricket ball.
One of the differences between red and white balls is their manufacturing procedure.
Manufacturers of Cricket Balls
There are three leading manufacturers of cricket balls used in international matches:
- Dukes
- Kookaburra
- SG.
The use of ball varies depending on location, as:
- West Indies, England, and Ireland use Dukes;
- India uses SG;
- All other countries use Kookaburra.
Different manufacturers’ balls behave differently: Dukes balls have a prouder seam and swing more than Kookaburra balls. It provides a home advantage when playing against a team unfamiliar with the ball. All limited-overs international matches, regardless of location, are played with white Kookaburra balls. White Dukes balls were used at the 1999 Cricket World Cup, but the ball behaved more erratically than the Kookaburra, and White Dukes has not been used since.
Kookaburra
Kookaburra is a renowned producer of cricket balls.
Is Kookaburra red ball ideal for spinners or fast bowlers?
Kookaburra uses an equal manufacturing process to make the balls beside the shade used for dying. Furthermore, they declare that the swinging houses in each white and red cricket ball are identical, which contradicts the view of the player and researcher who claims that the white ball swings greater than the red one.
Kookaburra Turf White Cricket Ball
Here are some features to discuss.
Features of Kookaburra Turf White Cricket Ball:
Kookaburra Turf White is the Official Ball Used in T-20 and ODI Matches.
Here are some of the features of the Kookaburra Turf White Cricket Ball.
Let’s have a look-
- It is made in Australia.
- It is four-piece Construction
- It has 5 Layer Quilted Centre.
- layers of top quality cork
- wound with Worsted yarn on cork with rubber nucleus
- Australian leather. Selected First Grade White Steer Hide.
- Water Proofed.
- Air Dried Inner Core
- Fine Linen Stitching.
Where could you find a Kookaburra ball in India?
You can get the following Kookaburra balls on Amazon. To buy, click the links.
- Kookaburra Pace Cricket Ball (Red)
- kookaburra Cricket Balls County Test
- Red Cherry by Kookaburra Leather Cricket Ball, Size Standard (Red)
- Kookaburra Leather Cricket Ball (White)
- kookaburra Cricket Balls Super Test
- Kookaburra Pace Ball Cricket Ball, White
- Red Cherry By Kookaburra Leather Ball, Size Standard, (Pink)
- Red Cherry by Kookaburra Leather Cricket Ball, Pack of 6 (White)
- Red Cherry by Kookaburra Leather Cricket Ball, Size Standard (Pink)
- Kookaburra Leather Ball, Red Sapphire
- Kookaburra KB201001R Leather Cricket Ball (Red)
Features of SG Synthetic Cricket Ball
SG synthetic cricket ball is better to use. Some of the features of SG synthetic cricket balls are discussed here.
The Synthetic Ball is weatherproof, with the exact weight and size of an absolute cricket ball.
- It does not damage the cricket bat.
- SG synthetic ball has the same dimensions as a conventional ball.
- It has SOA technology. Polyurethane material is used.
- The ball can be used in a wet outfield.
- It has good shape retention.
- It is ideal for all-weather play with the least protective gear.
- Its bounce and hardness are similar to a regular cricket ball.
Where could you find an SG ball in India?
You can get the following SG balls on Amazon. To buy, click the links.
- SG Club Leather Cricket Ball (Red)
- SG Leather Cricket Ball (Pink)