Cricket Ball Change Rules: lost, damaged and comparable-wear balls
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TL;DR: When a cricket ball is lost or becomes unfit through normal use, the umpires replace it with a ball of comparable wear. The replacement process is different from a captain demanding a new ball under Law 4.
This guide explains the Law in plain language, then points readers to the competition document that controls a live decision.
What is the short answer on a ball change?
A lost or unfit ball is replaced by the umpires with a comparable-wear ball. That is different from a captain choosing a new ball at an innings start or after the permitted over threshold.
When is a ball unfit?
Law 4 refers to a ball that has become unfit through normal use. The umpires decide whether the condition requires a replacement and select the comparable ball.
Why does comparable wear matter?
A brand-new ball can move or behave differently from an old one. Comparable wear protects the balance between bat and ball after an unavoidable change.
Who controls the replacement?
The ball remains under the umpires’ control. The batters and fielding captain are informed when the replacement enters play.
Which source controls the rule?
The MCC Law 4 text distinguishes new-ball choices from lost or unfit-ball replacements.
How should the scorer record it?
Record the over, reason for the change and the fact that the replacement was put into play by the umpires.
What does the comparison table show?
| Topic | Current answer | Source or rule | Editorial caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost ball | Cannot be found or recovered | Law 4.5 | Umpires select comparable wear |
| Unfit ball | Normal use makes it unfit | Law 4.5 | Replacement is not automatically new |
| Illegal request | Private or unauthorised swap | Law 4.2 | Umpires retain control |
The table keeps the definition, decision point and source together. That is safer than relying on a short broadcast phrase or a social-media graphic.
What should readers check next?
Open the named MCC, ICC or board document before applying the explanation to a match. Format-specific playing conditions can add detail to the general Law.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lost ball replaced with a new ball?
No. The replacement should have comparable wear.
Who chooses the replacement?
The umpires.
Can a captain demand a new ball for any reason?
No. The new-ball options are limited by Law 4 and the match agreement.
When is a ball unfit?
When normal use has made it unfit for play, as judged by the umpires.
When should this page be reviewed?
After an MCC or competition rule change.
Are all ball changes recorded?
The scorer should record the change and its match context.
Related SportsMuntra reading
Frequently asked questions
Is a lost ball replaced with a new ball?+
No. The replacement should have comparable wear.
Who chooses the replacement?+
The umpires.
Can a captain demand a new ball for any reason?+
No. The new-ball options are limited by Law 4 and the match agreement.
When is a ball unfit?+
When normal use has made it unfit for play, as judged by the umpires.
When should this page be reviewed?+
After an MCC or competition rule change.
Are all ball changes recorded?+
The scorer should record the change and its match context.
Sources
Related rules & terms guides
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Cricket Lost-Ball Rules: replacement and scoring
When a ball is lost or cannot be recovered, the umpires control replacement and scoring under the applicable Laws and playing conditions. A private replacement ball is not automatically legal.
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Ball condition affects movement and must be managed within the Laws and competition rules. Players may not assume that every method of polishing, scuffing or replacing a ball is legal.
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Cricket New Ball Rules: when captains can take a new ball
Under MCC Law 4, either captain may demand a new ball at the start of an innings, and in a match lasting more than one day the fielding captain may demand one after at least 80 overs with the old ball, unless the match agreement says otherwise.
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