Cricket hard ball is the standard equipment used in professional and amateur cricket matches worldwide.
It is made of cork, tightly wound string, and leather, providing durability and resilience during gameplay.
The hard ball is significantly heavier than a cricket ball used in other formats, weighing between 155.9 to 163 grams (5.5 to 5.75 ounces).
The core of the hard ball is a cork sphere, which is layered with tightly wound string and covered with leather stitched together in four quarters.
The red leather cover is traditionally used in test cricket matches, while white is used in limited-overs formats like One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) matches.
Bowlers aim to manipulate the movement of the hard ball through various techniques, including seam position, swing, and spin.
Batsmen use protective gear such as helmets, pads, gloves, and chest guards to safeguard against injuries caused by the hard ball's impact.
Fielders also wear protective gear, including helmets and shin guards, especially when fielding close to the batsman.