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Does the Kookaburra ball make you bowl slower?

 
Real-cricket 2019-12-03 10:53:53 

So if you bowl fast using the Dukes ball, would a move over to the Kookaburra ball affect your speed?

 
Drapsey 2019-12-03 10:59:20 

In reply to Real-cricket

Certainly. Especially if the venue is anywhere in New Zealand.

 
Real-cricket 2019-12-03 13:53:18 

In reply to Drapsey

Lol but this is a serious question. Can the cricket experts here she'd some light?

 
Maispwi 2019-12-04 15:37:10 

In reply to Real-cricket

Since the balls are supposed to be the same weight there shud be no difference with the speed at which they leave the hand. The composition of the ball cud however determine the speeds on pitching and arriving at the other end.

Broadcasters do not always show comparable speeds. Some show delivery speed while others show the speed at pitching or when it reaches the other end.

The Aussies showed graphics from time to time that compared the 3 sets of speeds

 
Kay 2019-12-04 15:45:16 

In reply to Real-cricket

See here

 
Real-cricket 2019-12-04 15:52:30 

In reply to Kay

Thanks bro

 
jen 2019-12-04 16:57:20 

In reply to Real-cricket

Yeah, quite a few things affect ball speed. While the type of ball doesn't affect the speeds registered on the speed gun, as that is tested when ball is released, the hardness after the shine is gone will affect speed off the wicket. So in theory, a dukes ball may sustain pace off the wicket longer than a kookabura ball. Also, how scruffed a ball is can reduce the speed to as more wind resistance takes effect. However, all very unnoticeable while watching from an armchair big grin big grin

 
robbo 2019-12-04 17:36:44 

For some time now I’ve been sceptical about the accuracy of the speed guns.... some seem to exaggerate the speed of delivery & others downgrade the speed...despite there being a a number of bowlers that can regularly bowl in the 140-145ks region barely anyone reached these speeds in the recently completed regional 50 over tournament... most ‘quick’ bowlers were registering in the 130-132 range...even allowing for deliberate variation of speed etc there is no way that they were all bowling that ‘slowly’

Last year it was the complete opposite... I remember Miguel Cummins (who is sharp) being clocked at 96mph

There are numerous examples worldwide when the speed gun readings have been dubious and I seriously doubt the type of ball used has anything to do with it.

 
jen 2019-12-04 18:42:21 

In reply to robbo

CPL had Kesrick Williams bowling 145+ lol lol Ah me partner that but he not that quick.

 
robbo 2019-12-04 19:52:35 

In reply to jen

Yep exactly... I generally prefer to believe the evidence of my own eyes, batsman reaction, carry etc....allowing of course for the speed & bounce of the pitch.

 
Ewart 2019-12-04 21:08:51 

One more thing to consider. The Kookaburra ball is composed of two halves. The other ball is usually composed of four quarters. You don't see the second half until the ball is worn, but it is there.

I believe the Kookaburra is the faster ball largely because of this.

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Real-cricket 2019-12-04 22:26:48 

In reply to Ewart

The Kookaburra ball is composed of two halves. The other ball is usually composed of four quarters

I didnt know that. Interesting

 
jen 2019-12-05 01:44:13 

In reply to Ewart

I think 2 piece balls aren't allowed by law, all balls are 4 piece. 2 piece balls didn't favour the batsmen...

 
InHindsight 2019-12-05 06:48:47 

2019 Super 50 the Kookaburra was used ain't? This ball it's believed stays firmer for longer. I'd expect in St Kitts a quicker average speed for ballers. How different is this year's stock of ballers than that of last year.

My point in all this is with regards to the speed/speed gun recorded with implications for WI selection.

 
Real-cricket 2019-12-05 11:20:28 

In reply to Drapsey

Jofra blames the speed gun

 
jen 2019-12-06 12:58:47 

In reply to InHindsight

Kookabura loses it's shape quicker than any of the main brands used in Int cricket. Dukes & SG stays harder longer. SG seam is more pronounced which is why it spins dangerously in India.

 
Ewart 2019-12-06 15:25:22 

Got the following from the best swing bowler I ever played with (Saw him at full speed once pitch a ball up outside leg stump that swung back and rattled the batsman's wicket):

Hi Ewart, An interesting topic. During my playing days in different countries the debate was that the Kookaburra ball gave the bowlers a distinct advantage because they could get better swing and late movement and in addition, if the general conditions were good for pace bowling, the shine would last much longer.

There have been localized decisions not to use in for a higher standard of competitive cricket. However, other ball makers improved on their product quality that made the kookaburra advantage not as pronounced.

A good swing bowler who can get movement off the pitch as well would definitely prefer the kookaburra because the seam lasted longer than the other balls. It is my understanding that the authorities allow its use as a decision of the host teams. I can't confirm that but there are still questions about its use and whether it does in fact give the bowlers an advantage.

As far as speed goes, to a large extent, it depends on how the bowler releases the ball at the point of delivery.

I always preferred the Kookaburra based on the foregoing.

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