Cricket New Ball Rules: when captains can take a new ball
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TL;DR: 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.
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 the new ball?
The new-ball decision depends on the match type and the reason for changing the ball. Law 4 separates a new ball at an innings start, the 80-over option in multi-day cricket and a comparable-wear replacement for a lost or unfit ball.
Who can demand a new ball?
At the start of each innings, either captain may demand a new ball unless the sides agreed otherwise before the match. In a multi-day match, the fielding captain can demand the ball after the old ball has been used for at least 80 overs.
Is a replacement ball always new?
No. If the ball is lost or becomes unfit, the umpires replace it with a ball that has comparable wear. That preserves the condition of play rather than resetting it.
Why do umpires control the ball?
Law 4.2 puts match balls under the umpires’ control before the toss and during the match. The control prevents an unauthorised change from altering the contest.
Which source controls the rule?
The MCC Law 4 page gives the rule text. ICC and domestic playing conditions can add format-specific detail.
How should the change be announced?
The umpire informs the other umpire, batters and scorers when a new ball is taken into play.
What does the comparison table show?
| Topic | Current answer | Source or rule | Editorial caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start of innings | Either captain may demand a new ball | Law 4.3 | Unless an agreement says otherwise |
| Multi-day match | After 80 overs with the old ball | Law 4.4 | Only the fielding captain demands it |
| Lost or unfit ball | Comparable-wear replacement | Law 4.5 | Replacement is not automatically brand new |
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
When can a captain take a new ball?
At the start of an innings, or after 80 overs with the old ball in a multi-day match, subject to the match agreement.
Can a team choose a new ball after a six?
Not under the general Law simply because the ball was hit far. The lost or unfit-ball procedure applies.
Who keeps the ball?
The umpires control the match balls.
Is a lost ball replaced with a new ball?
No. The replacement should have comparable wear.
When should this page be reviewed?
After an MCC or format-specific playing-condition update.
What should the scorer record?
The over count and the time the replacement or new ball entered play.
Related SportsMuntra reading
Frequently asked questions
When can a captain take a new ball?+
At the start of an innings, or after 80 overs with the old ball in a multi-day match, subject to the match agreement.
Can a team choose a new ball after a six?+
Not under the general Law simply because the ball was hit far. The lost or unfit-ball procedure applies.
Who keeps the ball?+
The umpires control the match balls.
Is a lost ball replaced with a new ball?+
No. The replacement should have comparable wear.
When should this page be reviewed?+
After an MCC or format-specific playing-condition update.
What should the scorer record?+
The over count and the time the replacement or new ball entered play.
Sources
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