<P> Cricket balls can be bowled at close to 160 km / h (100 mph) by pace bowlers and made to deviate from a straight course, both in the air (known as' swinging') and off the ground (known as' seaming'). A spin bowler imparts lateral revolutions on the ball at the point of delivery, so that when it bounces it deviates from a straight course . As cricket bats have become thicker, the ball can now be hit well over 100 metres before touching the ground . </P> <P> Cricket commentator and former Test bowler Simon Doull noted that cricket balls produced after Cricket World Cup 2015 produced a lot less swing regardless of manufacturer . This was said to be apparent in 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, even in traditionally swing - friendly British pitches, particularly with white balls, but the former West - Indian bowler Ian Bishop was unwilling to support this . </P> <P> In test cricket, a new ball is used at the start of each innings in a match . In Limited Over Internationals, two new balls, one from each end, are used at the start of each innings in a match . A cricket ball may not be replaced except under specific conditions described in the Laws of Cricket: </P> <P> Because a single ball is used for an extended period of play, its surface wears down and becomes rough . The bowlers may polish it whenever they can - usually by rubbing it on their trousers, producing the characteristic red stain that can often be seen there . However, they will usually only polish one side of the ball, in order to create' swing' as it travels through the air . They may apply saliva or sweat to the ball as they polish it . </P>

When do you get a new ball in cricket