Berapa berat bola kriket dan apakah berat bola kriket mempengaruhi kinerja pemain bowling?
Cricket, one of India’s most beloved sports, revolves around the cricket ball, an object of precision that can change the game’s momentum. The weight a cricket ball carries isn’t just a figure; it’s crucial for maintaining fairness and competitiveness in the sport. A standard cricket ball weighs between 155.9 grams and 163 grams, ensuring consistency in how it behaves on the pitch.
Knowing this weight is vital for players who rely on it to swing and seam, impacting their bowling strategies. Historically, changes in ball weight have influenced legendary matches and player tactics. This deep-rooted attention to detail showcases cricket’s intricate nature and why every gram matters when players take to the field.
Cricket Ball Weight
A cricket ball is at the heart of the sport’s action, serving as the key component in every play. Its lineage dates back to the 16th century, mirroring cricket’s own historical journey. Over time, a cricket ball has evolved, but it retains its distinctive features:
- Composition: Traditionally made from cork and leather, stitched together with pronounced seams.
- Colour: Originally red for test matches; white or pink variations are used for limited overs games or night matches.
- Weight: A critical aspect that affects how it interacts with bat and pitch.
The weight of a cricket ball is pivotal because it influences everything from bowling speed to movement in the air and off the pitch. It also ensures a level playing field across all levels of play. Fans should know that while players adeptly manipulating the ball’s weight adds excitement to the game, these specifications must be strictly adhered to maintain fairness.
The Standard Weight of a Cricket Ball
The importance of the weight cricket ball cannot be overstated in the realm of cricket. As per the regulations laid out by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the governing body for cricket globally, there’s an established weight range that must be adhered to ensure fair play.
For men’s cricket, particularly at the international level, a standard cricket ball weighs between 155.9 grams and 163 grams. The circumference is between 22.4 cm and 22.9 cm. This slight variation allows manufacturers some leeway while still maintaining consistency within matches.
Women’s cricket balls are slightly lighter and smaller. They weigh between 140 grams to 151 grams. They are between 21 cm and 22.5 cm in circumference. This takes into account factors such as hand size and strength differences on average between genders.
At domestic levels, these standards are generally followed to mimic conditions found in international matches; however, junior levels often use lighter balls to accommodate younger players’ developing skills and strength.
| Category | Weight Range | Circumference Range |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s International | 155.9g – 163g | 22.4cm – 22.9cm |
| Women’s International | 140g -151g | 21cm –22.5cm |
| Domestic/Club Adult | Follows ICC Specs* | Follows ICC Specs* |
| Junior Levels | Variable** | Variable** |
**Junior levels have variable measurements depending on age group; always less than adult weights.
Understanding these variations is crucial for players at all levels, from those dreaming of bowling at packed stadiums to enthusiasts enjoying local club matches across India’s vast expanses where cricket is not just a sport but a passion woven into their cultural fabric.
The Making of a Cricket Ball: Materials and Weight
The crafting of a cricket ball is an art that blends traditional methods with precision engineering. Each ball starts its life as a core of cork. It provides the fundamental weight and bounce characteristics essential for the game’s dynamics. Around this nucleus, layers of tightly wound string add density and shape to the ball. It further contributes to its final weight.
Leather, known for its durability and seam performance, forms the outer layer. Skilled workers carefully select four pieces of high-quality leather. These are then dyed – typically red and pink for Test matches or white for limited overs games.
Bagaimana bola kriket dibuat?
- Membuat inti gabus: Campuran butiran gabus dan karet dipres menjadi bola.
- Tali luka: Tali dililitkan di sekeliling inti untuk meningkatkan ukuran dan massanya sekaligus memastikan pemerataan di seluruh area yang akan menjadi belahan bumi.
- Pemotongan kulit: Seperempat berukuran sama dipotong dari kulit kualitas terbaik.
- Membentuk tempat kulit: Setiap elemen dibentuk untuk menutupi seperempat bola dengan sempurna.
- Menjahit bersama: Bagian kulit dijahit dengan hati-hati di sekitar inti yang dibungkus tali, menyeimbangkan kekencangan dan fleksibilitas.
- Pembentukan dan pemolesan akhir: Bola-bola yang hampir jadi ditekan untuk mendapatkan bentuk akhir dan dipoles hingga mengkilat.
Setiap langkah tidak hanya memengaruhi penampilan, tetapi juga memainkan peran kunci dalam memberikan kisaran berat standar pada setiap bola kriket – terlalu ringan dan tidak akan dimainkan secara konsisten; terlalu berat, mungkin berbahaya atau sulit untuk ditangani.
Kontrol kualitas memastikan bahwa ketika pemain memegang bola kriket baru di stadion-stadion di seluruh India atau di lapangan berdebu di desa-desa di mana impian menguap dengan setiap lemparan, mereka merasa percaya diri berkat bobotnya yang familiar – sangat penting dalam mengeksekusi putaran kemenangan atau pemain yorker yang didorong oleh kecepatan.
Kontroversi
Namun, bola kriket pun tidak lepas dari kontroversi. Dari Virat Kohli hingga Rohit Sharma dan Ravichandran Ashwin, semua orang vokal tentang penurunan kualitas bola SG dan Dukes di Inggris.
Di India, bola SG merah menimbulkan kekhawatiran bahwa bola tersebut akan kehilangan bentuknya sebelum waktunya. Pada tahun 2021, off-spinner India Ashwin mengklaim bahwa jahitan bola terlepas setelah 35 over.
“Saya belum pernah melihat bola SG merobek (menembus) jahitan seperti itu. Hal ini mungkin disebabkan oleh betapa sulitnya lemparan pada dua hari pertama. Bahkan di babak kedua setelah 35-40. set, jahitannya mulai terlepas. Aneh sekali, maksudku, aku belum pernah melihat bola SG seperti itu selama bertahun-tahun. ujar Aswin.
Virat Kohli telah menyerukan penggunaan Dukes dalam Tes kriket di seluruh dunia.
“Kualitas bola sebelumnya cukup tinggi dan saya tidak mengerti mengapa bola itu turun. Menurut saya Dukes adalah bola yang paling cocok untuk pertandingan kriket dan jika situasinya muncul, saya jamin akan digunakan di seluruh dunia,” kata Kohli pada tahun 2018.
Namun, Dukes juga punya masalah. Di Inggris, di mana bola Dukes banyak digunakan dalam kriket, produsen bola menghadapi masalah kualitas. Pertandingan Durham vs Glamorgan 2022 menampilkan 11 pergantian bola tak terjadwal dalam pertandingan county yang berlangsung selama empat hari. Belakangan, perusahaan menerima masalah kualitas.
Pilihan editor
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