Cricket Balls
Overview
Tony Greig once commented "They can make a man walk on the moon but they can’t make a white ball last 50 overs". Since the introduction of the white ball in one day cricket, players and umpires alike have wondered at the inability of the white ball to last the minimum 50 overs required for a one day match. While some of the differences are refuted by the manufacturers, other problems arising from the adverse conditions in which one day cricket is played seem more obvious. In particular the deterioration of the whiteness of the leather and the softening of the ball due to absorption of moisture.
Objectives
The "Tony Greig’s Dream" team aims to develop a method with which to preserve the one day cricket ball, to extend its life by 25%; and to enable it to withstand 50 rather than 40 overs. The main issue that will be focussed upon will be the whiteness of the ball. We aim to prolong the length of time that the ball is at an acceptable level of brightness, as determined by the umpires and players. This will involve reversing the discolouration of the ball from dirt and grass stains. Our secondary goal is to prolong the desired hardness of the ball, in order for it to last the required 50 overs. This will require finding a solution for the softening of the cricket ball leather due to moisture, humidity and general wear. We aim to develop the chemical solution and design, but not to assemble the method of application onto the ball. Note that our goal is not to change the dynamics of cricket; rather to develop a treatment for the surface of the ball which will prolong its life while allowing for the gradual deterioration of the ball which is an integral part of the game.
Methodology
Research has been conducted into the properties of leather, properties of cleaning agents and the construction and physics of the ball. An outline of the problem and some possible solutions was put forward. In addition, phone calls and meetings were conducted with personnel from Cricket NSW and Kookaburra, a major manufacturer of cricket balls
We aim to characterise the ball to develop a set of standards with which we can compare the results of our treatment. Firstly, this will involve using a spectrophotometer to examine the whiteness of new balls and balls of varying age, for example balls which are 10, 20 and 30 overs old as well as balls which have been replaced in matches. Secondly, the hardness of balls of varying ages will be compared using the set of standards set by the British Standards (which is also adopted internationally) utilising the tests outlined within the standards, such as the bounce test.
A treatment to improve the whiteness and hardness will be developed. This will involve the use of the research conducted already to carry out the testing of several different chemicals to see their impact on leather and the characteristics of the ball. It is hoped that a suitable solution will have been found.
The testing phase will then begin. Two batches of balls, one untreated and the other treated will be methodically tested under simulated match conditions. This will involve the use of bowling machines to uniformly wear down the balls, allowing us to assess the effectiveness of the treatments as the deterioration of the ball progresses.