Law 5 (The ball)
1. Weight and size
The ball, when new, shall weigh not less than 5 1/2 ounces/155.9g,
nor more than 5 3/4 ounces/163g, and shall measure not less
than 8 13/16 in/22.4cm, nor more than 9 in/22.9cm in circumference.
2. Approval and control of balls
(a) All balls to be used in the match, having been approved
by the umpires and captains, shall be in the possession of
the umpires before the toss and shall remain under their control
throughout the match.
(b) The umpire shall take possession of the ball in use at
the fall of each wicket, at the start of any interval and
at any interruption of play.
3. New ball
Unless an agreement to the contrary has been made before the
match, either captain may demand a new ball at the start of
each innings.
4. New ball in match of more than one day's duration
In a match of more than one day's duration, the captain of
the fielding side may demand a new ball after the prescribed
number of overs has been bowled with the old one. The Governing
Body for cricket in the country concerned shall decide the
number of overs applicable in that country, which shall not
be less than 75 overs.
The umpires shall indicate to the batsmen and the scorers
whenever a new ball is taken into play.
5. Ball lost or becoming unfit for play
If, during play, the ball cannot be found or recovered or
the umpires agree that it has become unfit for play through
normal use, the umpires shall replace it with a ball which
has had wear comparable with that which the previous ball
had received before the need for its replacement. When the
ball is replaced the umpires shall inform the batsmen and
the fielding captain.
6. Specifications
The specifications as described in 1 above shall apply to
men's cricket only. The following specifications will apply
to
(i) Women's cricket
Weight: from 4 15/16 ounces/140g to 5 5/16 ounces /151g
Circumference: from 8 1/4 in/21.0cm to 8 7/8 in/22.5cm
(ii) Junior cricket – under 13
Weight: from 4 11/16 ounces/133g to 5 1/16 ounces/144g
Circumference: from 8 1/16 in/20.5cm to 8 11/16 in/22.0cm