Definition

1. Noun:
   • The ball used in playing cricket: A cricket ball is a hard, solid ball used in the sport of cricket. It is typically made of cork and covered with leather, and is stitched with a raised seam.

Usage

• The primary use is as a piece of sporting equipment in the game of cricket.
• It is used by the bowler to deliver to the batter, and by fielders to attempt to run out batters.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The bowler polished the cricket ball on his trousers before his run-up.
  • A new cricket ball is harder and swings more in the air.
  • The fielder returned the cricket ball to the wicket-keeper.

Advanced Usage

• "To take the new ball": In cricket, this phrase refers to the captain opting to use a new, harder cricket ball, which is available after a certain number of overs have been bowled.
  • The fast bowlers were eager for the captain to take the new ball.
• "To shine the ball": This refers to the practice of polishing one side of the leather on a cricket ball to maintain its condition and influence its swing.
  • The fielders worked hard to shine the ball throughout the innings.

Variants and Related Words

• Ball (n): A general term for a spherical object used in games. A cricket ball is a specific type of ball.
• Red ball / White ball: Variants of the cricket ball. Traditional first-class cricket uses a red ball, while limited-overs matches often use a white ball for better visibility under floodlights.
• Kookaburra ball / Duke ball: Brand names for cricket balls used in different countries (e.g., Kookaburra in Australia, Duke in England).

Synonyms

• There are no direct synonyms for this specific piece of sports equipment. General terms like sports ball or game ball are not accurate substitutes.

Related Phrases

• "Bowling a bouncer": Delivering a cricket ball that pitches short and rises sharply towards the batter's head or upper body.
  • The bowler intimidated the batter by bowling a bouncer.
• "Losing the ball": In cricket commentary, this can refer to the ball becoming soft, discolored, or damaged, reducing its swing or seam movement.
  • The bowling attack became less potent after losing the ball.

Related Idioms

• "It's not cricket": An idiom meaning something is unfair or not done in the proper spirit. It derives from the sport's emphasis on fair play but does not directly reference the physical ball.
  • Charging that much for a simple repair isn't cricket.

Noun

1. the ball used in playing cricket