17th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference

Auckland, New Zealand

5-9 December 2010

Aerodynamics of Used Cricket Balls

F. Alam, D. Hillier, J. Xia, H. Chowdhury, H. Moria, R. La Brooy and A. Subic
School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
Abstract
A cricket ball possesses six rows of stitches with approximately
70 to 90 stretches in each row and a prominent seam at the
joining of two halves. Asymmetric airflow over the ball due to
seam orientation and surface roughness of the ball can cause the
flight deviation (swing) and unpredictable flight. Swing makes
difficult for the batsman to hit the ball with the bat and guard the
stamps. The primary objectives of this work were to understand
the aerodynamic properties of a series of used cricket balls, thus
the mechanism of swing as well as drag of a cricket ball. The
aerodynamic forces and moments of used and new balls were
measured under a range of speeds at various seam orientations.
The airflow around the balls was visualized and documented.
The preliminary data analysis indicated that the wear & tear and
seam angle have significant effect on aerodynamic drag and side
forces of the cricket ball.

deviation of the ball during the flight towards the batsman can
create significant discomfort for the batsman.
Till to date, the complex behaviour of swing of a cricket ball is
not fully understood. Although some studies have been
undertaken by Alam et al. [1], Mehta et al. [5-6], Sayers and Hill
[7], Barton [2], La Brooy et al. [3] and Brown [4] on new cricket
ball aerodynamics, scant information is available on
aerodynamics of used cricket balls. Therefore, a comprehensive
study to understand the gamut of complex aerodynamic
behaviour resulting in a wide range of swing under a wide range
of wind conditions, relative roughness, seam orientations and
seam prominence is yet to be conducted. The primary purpose of
this work is to study the aerodynamic behaviour of a series of
used cricket balls as part of a larger study has been undertaken in
the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.

Introduction

Experimental Procedure

Over 60 countries of the former British Empire are directly

involved with a potential viewing audience of over 1.5 billion
people in cricket games. Crickets popularity has already moved
outside the boundary of the British Commonwealth nations. With
the expected participation of China in cricket in 2012, the game
can become potentially the 2nd most viewed game after the
football (soccer). The centre piece of the game of cricket is the
ball. As a cricket ball has to be projected through the air as a
three dimensional body, the associated aerodynamics play a
significant role in the motion thereby flight of the ball.

The study was conducted in RMIT Industrial Wind Tunnel under

a range of speeds (60 km/h to 140 km/h with an increment of 10
km/h) at seam orientation (seam angles) of 0, 10, 20, 30 &
40. Three sets of used balls after 10 to 15, 20 to 30 & 40 to 50
overs of bowling were selected for this study. Additionally, a
new ball was also tested. The used balls were provided by the
Cricket Victoria and the new balls were provided by Kookaburra
Australia Pty Ltd.

A cricket ball is constructed of a several layers of cork tightly

wound with string. The ball is covered with a leather skin
comprising 4 quarters stitched together to form a major seam in
an equatorial plane. Moreover the quarter seams on both halves
of the ball are internally stitched and juxtaposed by 90 degrees.
The seam comprises six rows of stitches with approximately 70
to 90 stretches in each row. The height of the seam can be over 1
mm above the surface of the ball. The mass of a cricket ball is
around 156 gm. The prominence of the seam can vary from one
manufacturer to another as there is no standard for the seam
geometry. At present, over a dozen commercial companies
manufacture cricket balls under the auspices of the International
Cricket Council (ICC), overseeing the game at the highest level
(Test cricket).

The RMIT Industrial Wind Tunnel is a closed return circuit wind

tunnel with a turntable to simulate the cross wind effects. The
maximum speed of the tunnel is approximately 150 km/h. The
dimension of the tunnels test section is 3 m wide, 2 m high and 9
m long and the tunnels cross sectional area is 6 square meter.
The experimental set up in the test section of RMIT Industrial
Wind Tunnel is shown in Figure 2. The tunnel was calibrated
before conducting the experiments and tunnels air speeds were
measured via a modified NPL ellipsoidal head Pitot-static tube
(located at the entry of the test section) connected to a MKS
Baratron pressure sensor through flexible tubing. A mounting
stud was manufactured to hold the ball and was mounted on a six
component force sensor (type JR-3). Purpose made computer
software was used to compute all 6 forces and moments (drag,
side, lift forces, and yaw, pitch and roll moments) and their nondimensional coefficients. However, only the drag and side forces
via their non dimensional coefficients are presented in this work.

The aerodynamic properties of a cricket ball can greatly be

affected by the prominence of the seam, the surface roughness of
the ball in play, and the launch attitude of the ball by the bowler.
Based on seam angle and surface roughness of the ball, an
asymmetric airflow over the ball due to pressure difference can
be generated thereby deviating the flight from the intended path.
This potential flight deviation is called swing. Therefore, it is
extremely important to understand aerodynamic properties of
used cricket balls as wear and tear can have major effect on
swing as well as drag. As mentioned earlier, the sideway

Four balls (3 used balls and 1 new ball) that have been used in
this study and are shown in Figure 1. Figure 1a shows a new
(unused) ball. On the other hand, Figure 1b, 1c and 1d illustrate
the used balls after 10 to 15 overs, 20 to 30 overs and 40 to 50
overs of bowling respectively.

Cs as a function of Reynolds numbers ( Re = V d ) varied by

wind velocity for all used balls and a new ball are shown in
Figures 3 to 14. Figures 12 to 14 show the CD and CS values
variation of all cricket balls at zero seam angle and 40 seam
angle.

Figure 1. Types of ball used in the study

Figure 2. Experimental Set-up in RMIT Industrial Wind Tunnel

Results and Discussion

As mentioned earlier, the aerodynamic properties (drag, lift and
side force and their corresponding moments) at wind speeds of
60 km/h to 140 km/h with an increment of 20 km/h) at seam
angles of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40with the mean direction of
winds were measured. It is believed that a practical seam angle
during bowling is approximately 20 to 30 degree with the mean
direction of flight. The aerodynamic forces acting on the balls
were determined by testing balls with the supporting gear and
then subtracted from the forces acting on the supporting gear
only. A cricket ball with the mounting device on a six component
force sensor is shown in Figure 2.
The drag and side force were converted to their non-dimensional
drag coefficient (CD) and side force coefficient (Cs) using the
following two formulas respectively:

CD =

1
2

V2 A

and

CS =

1
2

V2 A

Where, D , , V , S & A are drag, air density, wind velocity,

side force and projected frontal area of the ball respectively. The
CD represents the drag or resistance of the cricket ball, Cs
represents the swing (side) force acting on the ball. The CD and

In order to check the validity of the data, the drag coefficient of

the new cricket ball was compared with the drag coefficient of a
sphere. The drag coefficient of a smooth sphere in free stream
flow
over
the
Reynolds
number
range
of
4
5
that
has
been
covered
by
this
7.5 10 < Re < 1.85 10
experimental study is approximately 0.5 [8]. Generally, the
boundary layer of a smooth sphere becomes turbulent at a critical
Reynolds number of approximately 310 5 and the separation
point moves downstream around the surface of the sphere. As a
result, the drag coefficient is reduced to almost 0.1 due to a
narrower wake. The cricket ball (although looks like a sphere)
with stitches and seams also undergoes a transition in this
Reynolds number range at zero seam orientation (see Figure 7 for
the new ball and Figures 3 to 6 for the used balls). However, the
transition is more prominent for the new ball than the used balls.
The average CD values are approximately 0.45 and 0.65 for the
new and used balls compared to the CD value of 0.5 for a smooth
sphere. The high drag coefficient for the used balls is believed to
be due to comparatively rough surface, seams and wear & tear of
the cricket ball.
The magnitudes of the side force coefficient (CS) of all balls
(both new and used) vary significantly with Reynolds number,
seam angles and surface roughness (see Figures 9 to 14).
Generally, seam of a sphere if aligned with the wind direction (at
zero seam angle) should not generate any side force due to the
symmetrical air flow around it. However, it is not the case with
the cricket ball. A new cricket ball with its complex seams and
stitches can even generate side force at zero seam angle (see
Figure 13). However, the side force is slightly reduces at zero
seam orientation at high Reynolds numbers. The seam angles
have significant on aerodynamic drag and side force (see Figures
10 to 14). If the seam angle is not sufficiently large (less than
45), the boundary layer is tripped on the seam side of the ball,
thus the boundary layer becomes turbulent but remains attached
for a longer period than on the other side, where separation of the
laminar boundary layer takes place relatively early around the
surface. The turbulent boundary layer has a longer low pressure
region extending around the surface than does the laminar
boundary layer, resulting in a net force in the direction of seam
turn. However, the large negative side force implies that
separation has taken place in the previously attached boundary
layer with a corresponding increase in pressure on that side (see
Figures 11 to 14.
At 40 seam angle, the average CD value for the new ball is
slightly lower compared to the CD values of the used balls. For
example, the CD value for the new ball is approximately 0.59 in
comparison of 0.64, 065 & 0.67 of the used balls after 10 to 15,
20 to 30 and 40 to 50 overs of bowling. The rise of the drag
coefficient is believed to be due to the increased skin friction
drag over the roughened surface as opposed to any later
separation occurring which would cause a narrower wake and
reduced drag.

A1 White Used Ball (10-15 overs)

0 Deg
20 Deg

0.90

A2

0.90

A3
A4 (White)

0.80
Drag Coefficient (Cd)

40 Deg

0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30

0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30

0.20

0.20

0.10

0.10

0.00
5.00E+04

A1

1.00

30 Deg

0.80
Drag Coefficient (Cd)

All Balls (0 Deg)

10 Deg

1.00

7.50E+04

1.00E+05

1.25E+05

1.50E+05

1.75E+05

0.00
5.00E+04

2.00E+05

7.50E+04

1.00E+05

Reynolds number (Re)

1.25E+05

1.50E+05

1.75E+05

Figure 3. CD variation with Re for used ball (10-15 overs)

A2 White Used Ball (20-30 overs)

Figure 7. CD variation with Re for all balls at 0 seam angle

0 Deg

All Balls (40 Deg)

10 Deg

1.00

A1

1.00

A2

0.90

A3

20 Deg
0.90

30 Deg

0.80
Drag Coefficient (Cd)

Drag Coefficient (Cd)

A4 (White)

40 Deg

0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30

0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30

0.20

0.20

0.10

0.10

0.00
5.00E+04

7.50E+04

1.00E+05

1.25E+05

1.50E+05

1.75E+05

0.00
5.00E+04

2.00E+05

7.50E+04

1.00E+05

1.25E+05

1.50E+05

1.75E+05

2.00E+05

Reynolds number (Re)

Reynolds number (Re)

Figure 4. CD variation with Re for used ball (20-30 overs)

Figure 8. CD variation with Re for all balls at 40 seam angle

1.00
0.90

0 Deg

A1 White Used Ball (10-15 overs)

0 Deg

A3 White Used Ball (40-50 overs)

10 Deg

0.50

20 Deg

0.40

10 Deg
20 Deg
30 Deg

30 Deg
0.30

40 Deg

0.80
0.70

Drag Coefficient (Cs)

Drag Coefficient (Cd)

2.00E+05

Reynolds number (Re)

0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.20

40 Deg

0.20
0.10
0.00
5.00E+04
-0.10

7.50E+04

1.00E+05

1.25E+05

1.50E+05

1.75E+05

2.00E+05

-0.20
-0.30

0.10
-0.40

0.00
5.00E+04

7.50E+04

1.00E+05

1.25E+05

1.50E+05

1.75E+05

-0.50

2.00E+05

Reynolds number (Re)

Reynolds number (Re)

Figure 5. CD variation with Re for used ball (40-50 overs)

Figure 9. CS variation with Re for used ball (10-15 overs)

0.50

10 Deg

1.00

30 Deg

0.80

40 Deg

0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.20

20 Deg
30 Deg

0.30

40 Deg

0.20
0.10
0.00
5.00E+04
-0.10

7.50E+04

1.00E+05

1.25E+05

1.50E+05

1.75E+05

2.00E+05

-0.20
-0.30

0.10
0.00
5.00E+04

10 Deg

0.40

Side Force Coefficient (Cs)

Drag Coefficient (Cd)

20 Deg
0.90

0 Deg

A1 White Used Ball (20-30 overs)

0 Deg

A4 White Brand New Ball (0 over)

-0.40

7.50E+04

1.00E+05

1.25E+05

1.50E+05

1.75E+05

Reynolds number (Re)

Figure 6. CD variation with Re for new ball (0 over)

2.00E+05

-0.50
Reynolds number (Re)

Figure 10. CS variation with Re for used ball (20-30 overs)

0 Deg

A3 White Used Ball (40-50 overs)

20 Deg

Side Force Coefficient (Cs)

Conclusions

10 Deg

0.50
0.40

30 Deg

0.30

40 Deg

0.20

The following concluding remarks have been drawn based on the

research work presented here:

The aerodynamic behaviour of a cricket ball significantly

differs from the aerodynamic behaviour of a smooth sphere

The air flow around a cricket ball does not undergo a rapid
reduction of drag in critical Reynolds number as it is the
case of a sphere.

The seam, stiches and surface roughness-all have significant

effects on the drag and side force of a cricket ball.

The wear and tear increases the aerodynamic drag of a

cricket ball.

The change of swing direction (side way deviation) can take

place with the increase of Reynolds numbers.

0.10
0.00
5.00E+04
-0.10

7.50E+04

1.00E+05

1.25E+05

1.50E+05

1.75E+05

2.00E+05

-0.20
-0.30
-0.40
-0.50
Reynolds number (Re)

Figure 11. CS variation with Re for used ball (40-50 overs)

0 Deg

A4 White Brand New Ball (0 over)

10 Deg

0.50

Side Force Coefficient (Cs)

20 Deg
0.40

30 Deg

0.30

40 Deg

A multi axes spin device is being developed to spin the cricket

ball around its different axes.

0.20
0.10
0.00
5.00E+04
-0.10

7.50E+04

1.00E+05

1.25E+05

1.50E+05

1.75E+05

2.00E+05

Further tests are being conducted to understand the various

swings (including reverse swing) of a cricket ball.

-0.20

Acknowledgments

-0.30
-0.40
-0.50
Reynolds number (Re)

Figure 12. CS variation with Re for a new ball (0 over)

All Balls (0 Deg)

A1

0.50

A2

0.40

A3
A4 (White)

Side Force Coefficient (Cs)

Future Work

The authors express their sincere gratitude and thanks to Mr Peter

Binns, Cricket Victoria for his encouragement, advice and
providing the used balls for this research. We are also grateful to
Mr Peter Thompson, Kookaburra Australia for his
encouragement, support and providing the new balls for this
study.
References

0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00
5.00E+04
-0.10

7.50E+04

1.00E+05

1.25E+05

1.50E+05

1.75E+05

2.00E+05

[1] Alam, F., La Brooy, R. and Subic, A., Aerodynamics of

Cricket Ball An Understanding of Swing in The Impact of
Technology on Sport 2 (edited by F. K. Fuss, A. Subic and
S. Ujihashi), ISBN 13: 978-0-415-45695-1, 311-316, Taylor
& Francis, London, 2007

-0.20

[2] Barton N.G., On the swing of a cricket ball in flight, Proc.

Roy. Soc. A 379, 109-131, 1982

-0.30
-0.40
-0.50
Reynolds number (Re)

Figure 13. CS variation with Re for all balls at 0 seam angle

All Balls (40 Deg)

A1

0.50

A2

0.40

A3

Side Force Coefficient (Cs)

A4 (White)
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00
5.00E+04
-0.10

7.50E+04

1.00E+05

1.25E+05

1.50E+05

1.75E+05

2.00E+05

[3] La Brooy, R., Alam, F. and Watmuff, J., New Methods of

Initiating Reverse Swing on a Cricket Ball in The Impact of
Technology on Sports III, ISBN 13: 978-1-921426-39-1,
275-279, Honolulu, USA, 2009
[4] Brown, W. and Mehta, R. D., The seamy side of swing
bowling, New Scientist, Vol 139, 21-24, 1993.
[5] Mehta, R. D., Cricket ball aerodynamics: myth versus
science. In The Engineering of Sport: Research,
Development and Innovation (edited by A.J. Subic and S.J.
Haake), 153-167, Oxford: Blackwell Science, 2000
[6] Mehta, R. D., Aerodynamics of sports balls, Annual Review
of Fluid Mechanics, Vol 17, 151-189, 1985

-0.20

[7] Sayers, A T. and Hill, A., Aerodynamics of a cricket ball,

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics,
Vol 79, 169-182, 1999

-0.30
-0.40
-0.50
Reynolds number (Re)

Figure 14. CS variation with Re for all balls at 40 seam angle

[8] Daugherty R. L. and Franzini J. B., Fluid Mechanics with

Engineering Applications, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1977