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Ball Shining Techniques in Cricket

Shining the cricket ball is one of the most essential techniques used by bowlers to manipulate the ball’s swing and movement in the air. A well-maintained ball can be a bowler’s best tool for delivering difficult-to-read deliveries. In this guide, we’ll explore the legal techniques for ball shining, how ball condition affects gameplay, and the line between legal and illegal ball tampering, which you can learn more about in our Ball Tampering Laws guide.

What Is Ball Shining?

Ball shining is the process of polishing one side of the cricket ball to maintain or enhance swing. Swing is caused by differences in air pressure on either side of the ball as it moves through the air. Shining helps smooth one side of the ball, while leaving the other side rough, to manipulate airflow. This can lead to both conventional swing and reverse swing, depending on the condition of the ball and pitch.

Legal Methods of Shining the Ball

The International Cricket Council (ICC) allows certain techniques for maintaining the ball’s condition. These methods are essential for bowlers looking to create swing while staying within the rules of the game.

  • Using Saliva: Before 2020, players frequently used saliva to add moisture to one side of the ball. However, the ICC temporarily banned the use of saliva during the COVID-19 pandemic. This ban has remained in effect to ensure player safety. Be sure to stay updated on any changes in this rule.
  • Using Sweat: Sweat can legally be used to shine the ball. Players often rub sweat from their forehead or arms onto one side of the ball to help smooth its surface.
  • Rubbing the Ball on Clothing: Bowlers frequently polish the ball by rubbing it on their trousers or jersey. The material of the clothing helps to buff the ball’s surface and improve its shine.

Maintaining the Rough Side

While the shiny side of the ball helps with swing, the rough side plays an equally important role. Bowlers need to ensure one side of the ball remains rough, which helps create the conditions needed for swing. Here are some key practices for maintaining the rough side:

  • Avoid Excessive Cleaning: The rough side should be left alone to naturally wear down over time. Fielders should avoid rubbing dirt off the rough side.
  • Minimal Handling: Players handling the ball should do so with care, focusing on polishing the shiny side while minimizing contact with the rough side.

How Ball Shining Affects Swing

Shining the ball helps control swing in the following ways:

  • Conventional Swing: In the early overs of a match, when the ball is relatively new, a bowler can achieve conventional swing by maintaining a clear difference between the shiny side and the rough side. The ball swings towards the rough side, allowing bowlers to deceive batsmen with in-swingers and out-swingers.
  • Reverse Swing: In the later stages of an innings, once the ball has worn down, bowlers can achieve reverse swing. This occurs when the ball swings in the opposite direction to what the batsman expects, as both sides of the ball have different air pressures.

For bowlers looking to improve their swing and impact on the game, maintaining the ball’s shine is critical. Explore how swing affects the bowling economy rate and how it can lead to lower run rates for opposition teams.

Illegal Ball Shining Techniques

While there are several legal ways to shine the ball, there are certain practices that are classified as ball tampering and are considered illegal under ICC rules:

  • Using Foreign Substances: Applying any foreign substances, such as sunscreen, lip balm, or sugary drinks, to the ball is strictly prohibited.
  • Scratching the Ball: Using fingernails, spikes, or any sharp object to deliberately scratch or damage the ball is illegal.
  • Using Sandpaper: The infamous sandpaper scandal of 2018 highlighted the consequences of attempting to alter the condition of the ball with foreign objects like sandpaper.

For more details on illegal ball tampering methods and the penalties associated with them, visit our comprehensive Ball Tampering Laws guide.

Notable Incidents and Controversies

There have been several controversies over the years involving ball shining and tampering:

  • 2018 Sandpaper Scandal: During a Test match between Australia and South Africa, Australian cricketers were caught using sandpaper to alter the ball’s condition. This led to heavy penalties and suspensions for key players.
  • 1994 Atherton Incident: England captain Michael Atherton was fined after he was seen applying dirt from his pocket to the ball during a Test match against South Africa.

Conclusion

Ball shining is a key aspect of cricket that allows bowlers to manipulate the ball’s movement through the air. By following the legal techniques, players can enhance their ability to swing the ball and disrupt the opposition’s batting lineup. However, players must stay within the laws of the game to avoid severe penalties. Learn more about maintaining ball condition and how it affects gameplay in our Cricket Ball Types guide.