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Cricket · Laws of Cricket

Law 4: The Ball

2 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

Law 4 covers the weight and size of the ball for men's, women's and under-13 cricket, the umpires' approval, possession and control of the balls, the new ball at the start of an innings and after 80 overs in a multi-day match, and replacing a ball that is lost or unfit for play.

4.41Ball Specifications: Men's, Women's and Under 13

The weight and circumference limits for a new men's ball (Law 4.1), the women's ball (Law 4.6.1) and the under-13 ball (Law 4.6.2), and how to compare and apply them.

Test 1The men's ball: weightTake a test

  1. A new men's ball weighs not less than 5.5 ounces (155.9 g).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · recall

  2. The upper limit for a new men's ball is 5.75 ounces, which is 163 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · recall

  3. The men's minimum is 155.9 g; 140 g is the women's minimum.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · recall

  4. The men's maximum is 163 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · recall

  5. Men's balls: 5.5 to 5.75 ounces when new.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · recall

  6. The Law says 'when new'; wear later in a match does not alter compliance.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · recall

  7. 155.9 g to 163 g is the permitted range; 160 g falls inside.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · applied

  8. The men's minimum is 155.9 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · applied

  9. The men's maximum is 163 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · applied

  10. Only 159 g lies between 155.9 g and 163 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · applied

Test 2The men's ball: circumferenceTake a test

  1. A new men's ball measures not less than 8.81 in (22.4 cm) round.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · recall

  2. The maximum is 9 in (22.9 cm).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · recall

  3. The men's minimum is 22.4 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · recall

  4. The men's maximum is 22.9 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · recall

  5. Men's balls: 22.4 to 22.9 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · recall

  6. Size is given as circumference.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · recall

  7. 22.4 to 22.9 cm is permitted, so 22.6 cm is inside.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · applied

  8. The men's minimum is 22.4 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · applied

  9. The men's maximum is 22.9 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · applied

  10. Only 8.9 in lies between 8.81 in and 9 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.1 · applied

Test 3The women's ballTake a test

  1. Women's balls weigh from 4.94 oz (140 g).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.1 · recall

  2. Women's balls weigh up to 5.31 oz (151 g).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.1 · recall

  3. Women's balls: 140 g to 151 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.1 · recall

  4. Women's balls: 8.25 to 8.88 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.1 · recall

  5. Women's balls: 21.0 to 22.5 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.1 · recall

  6. Women's cricket is Law 4.6.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.1 · recall

  7. The women's maximum is 151 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.1 · applied

  8. 140 g to 151 g is the women's range.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.1 · applied

  9. The women's maximum is 8.88 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.1 · applied

  10. The 4.1 specification applies to men's cricket only.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6 · recall

Test 4The under-13 ballTake a test

  1. Under-13 balls weigh from 4.69 oz (133 g).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.2 · recall

  2. Under-13 balls weigh up to 5.06 oz (144 g).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.2 · recall

  3. Under-13 balls: 133 g to 144 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.2 · recall

  4. Under-13 balls: 8.06 to 8.69 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.2 · recall

  5. Under-13 balls: 20.5 to 22.0 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.2 · recall

  6. Under-13 cricket is Law 4.6.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.2 · recall

  7. The junior specification is for under 13.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.2 · recall

  8. 133 g to 144 g is the under-13 range.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.2 · applied

  9. The under-13 maximum is 144 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.2 · applied

  10. The under-13 minimum is 20.5 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.2 · applied

Test 5Comparing the three specificationsTake a test

  1. Under-13 max 144 g, women's 151 g, men's 163 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.1 and 4.6 · applied

  2. Men's 22.4 cm, women's 21.0 cm, under-13 20.5 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.1 and 4.6 · applied

  3. Men's balls are heaviest, under-13 lightest.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.1 and 4.6 · applied

  4. The under-13 minimum is the lowest.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.1 and 4.6 · recall

  5. The men's maximum is the highest.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.1 and 4.6 · recall

  6. Women's tops out at 151 g, below the men's 155.9 g minimum.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.1 and 4.6.1 · applied

  7. Women's starts at 140 g and under-13 ends at 144 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.6.1 and 4.6.2 · applied

  8. 150 g is inside 140-151 g but above 144 g and below 155.9 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.1 and 4.6 · applied

  9. 142 g is inside both 140-151 g and 133-144 g.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.6.1 and 4.6.2 · applied

  10. 4.1 is men's; 4.6.1 women's; 4.6.2 under-13.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.1 and 4.6 · recall

4.42Control of the Ball, New Balls and Replacement

The umpires' possession and control of the balls, the new ball at the start of an innings, the new ball after 80 overs, replacing a lost or unfit ball, and who decides, demands and is informed.

Test 1Control of the balls during the matchTake a test

  1. All balls to be used shall be in the umpires' possession before the toss.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.1 · recall

  2. The Law asks for every match ball to be with the umpires from before the toss on.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.1 · recall

  3. They remain under the umpires' control throughout the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.1 · recall

  4. Those are the three occasions in Law 4.2.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.2 · recall

  5. The umpire takes possession at the fall of each wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.2 · applied

  6. The umpire takes possession at the start of any interval.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.2 · applied

  7. An interruption of play, such as rain, is a moment for the umpire to take the ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.2 · applied

  8. The start of an over is not in the list.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.2 · recall

  9. An injury stoppage is an interruption of play.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.2 · applied

  10. Law 4.2.1 sets possession before the toss and control throughout.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.1 · recall

Test 2A new ball at the start of an inningsTake a test

  1. Unless agreed otherwise, either captain may demand a new ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.3 · recall

  2. The right arises at the start of each innings.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.3 · recall

  3. The right applies unless an agreement to the contrary was made before the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.3 · recall

  4. Law 4.3 gives way to an agreement made before the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.3 · applied

  5. The batting side's captain has the same right at the start of an innings.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.3 · applied

  6. The right arises at the start of each innings.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.3 · applied

  7. It must be an agreement made before the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.3 · recall

  8. Law 4.3 sets no limit by match length; Law 4.4 deals with multi-day matches.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.3 and 4.4 · applied

  9. Law 4.3 is headed 'New ball'.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.3 · recall

  10. Law 4.3 says 'may demand'.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.3 · recall

Test 3The new ball after 80 oversTake a test

  1. Law 4.4 gives the right to the fielding captain.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.4 · recall

  2. The number of overs must equal or exceed 80.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.4 · recall

  3. The count excludes any part overs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.4 · recall

  4. Part overs are excluded, so only 79 overs have been bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.4 · applied

  5. The Law says equal to or greater than 80 overs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.4 · applied

  6. Equal to or greater than 80 overs keeps the right open.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.4 · applied

  7. Law 4.4 is for matches of more than one day's duration.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.3 and 4.4 · applied

  8. Any match of more than one day's duration is covered.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.4 · applied

  9. The count is of overs bowled with the old ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.4 · recall

  10. Law 4.4 says the captain 'may demand'.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.4 · recall

Test 4A lost or unfit ballTake a test

  1. Lost balls and balls unfit through normal use are replaced.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · recall

  2. The Law refers to the umpires agreeing the ball is unfit.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · recall

  3. The replacement has had wear comparable with that of the previous ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · recall

  4. The replacement must have wear comparable with the lost ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · applied

  5. A ball that cannot be found or recovered is replaced.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · applied

  6. A ball worn out in ordinary play is replaced with a similar one.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · applied

  7. The umpire informs the batters and the fielding captain.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · recall

  8. The umpires shall replace it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · recall

  9. The Law refers to unfitness through normal use.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · recall

  10. Law 4.5: if the umpires agree the ball has become unfit for play through normal use, they replace it with one of comparable wear and tell the batters and the fielding captain.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · applied

Test 5Who decides, who demands, who is toldTake a test

  1. Balls to be used are determined by the umpires.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.1 · recall

  2. Either captain under Law 4.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.3 · recall

  3. Law 4.4 gives the right to the fielding captain.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.4 · recall

  4. The umpires agree the ball has become unfit.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · recall

  5. The umpires replace it with a ball of comparable wear.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · recall

  6. When a wicket falls, the ball goes to the umpire.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.2 · recall

  7. The umpires hold them before the toss.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.1 · recall

  8. The umpires replace the ball and inform the fielding captain.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · applied

  9. The batters and the fielding captain are informed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.5 · recall

  10. Any pre-match agreement on the balls is one for the captains to make.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.3 · recall

Sources

MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 4 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Laws, not reproduced)

  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.120
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.514
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.311
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.210
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.410
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.6.19
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.1 and 4.67
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.27
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.2.16
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.6.1 and 4.6.22
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.3 and 4.42
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.61
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 4.1 and 4.6.11