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[swamidude]

So I was reading a couple of threads on pro bats and that got me thinking. We all know that pros get the best bats, lowest density clefts, best ping, grains, handles etc. Compared to club batsmen their equipment will be better so they'll be more able to score runs than say with a grade 2 bat or something which you might be likely to see at club level. Bigger bats means we're seeing more runs typically being scored, boundaries being cleared and so on.

However what about bowlers? Club standard bowlers typically use club league balls. These are often not the best as they're usually on a budget and the most cost efficient option is chosen. These balls may not be perfectly shaped, lose leather more quickly, the density also may not be even throughout. All this leads to a ball which I would guess can swing more and do more off the surface. At international standard, balls cost a hell of a lot more, so you'd expect that they have even density, a closer to perfect shape, and they won't lose leather as quickly, therefore they will behave fairly well compared to a club ball.

That's the way I'm thinking about this, if anyone else has any views I'd happily welcome them. It just seems to me that the higher up you go the 'easier' batting gets and the 'harder' bowling becomes, at least from the perspective of the equipment quality and choices available to bowlers and batsmen.

[fros23]

Add pitches and outfields to that list.  Not many full time groundsmen in club cricket and don't often see perfectly flat outfields either

[smilley792]

The one thing that Isnt in a batsmen favour is chances,


You play a bad shot, or get a bloody good ball and your day is done.


A bowler balls a bad ball? Back to his run up and try again, batsman hits him for a good shot? Go back to your run up and try again.


The above is why I always thought benefit of doubt went in a batsmen favour. But even that seems to have gone away(recent drs decisions for example)

[Cedrictoad]

You are right some of those lower level 4 piece hoop around like crazy and because they are cheaper the lacquer stays on longer (the stuff is practically part of the ball on the real cheapies).

Covered pitches makes bowling 'more difficult' as well.  Skittling a team for less than 80 is probably not going to happen that often at international level...

[ProCricketer1982]

You are right some of those lower level 4 piece hoop around like crazy and because they are cheaper the lacquer stays on longer (the stuff is practically part of the ball on the real cheapies).

Covered pitches makes bowling 'more difficult' as well.  Skittling a team for less than 80 is probably not going to happen that often at international level...

What a boring day when a team is skittles for <150.. Nice 250 ish chase makes the game good fun. As for balls, I have no idea as the duke is far harder to bat against than a kooka (kook goes soft and does swing as much) BUT that means the worse ball is better for a batsmen. The wickets I'd expect have the most effect, club wickets can vary so much so one week can be a feather bed, the next a minefield

[Gingerbusiness]

You are right some of those lower level 4 piece hoop around like crazy and because they are cheaper the lacquer stays on longer (the stuff is practically part of the ball on the real cheapies).

Covered pitches makes bowling 'more difficult' as well.  Skittling a team for less than 80 is probably not going to happen that often at international level...

In the TVCL, all first team grounds are rated and inspected and they have to use Dukes balls provided by the league. Good basis for good cricket to take place.

However, use of covers below Div 4 is not compulsory - so you get some absolute minefields.

Was recovering from injury a few years back and played for the 3rds, took 8-12 (inc. a hat trick) on a pitch where I hit three in the lid.

For the record, I bowl off-spin...

[Northern monkey]

First thing my son was told at Somerset was, the wickets are far superior to anything you have bowled on, and as such,the margin for error,was so much smaller, anything off line or length would be punished

[Manormanic]

In the TVCL, all first team grounds are rated and inspected and they have to use Dukes balls provided by the league. Good basis for good cricket to take place.

However, use of covers below Div 4 is not compulsory - so you get some absolute minefields.

Was recovering from injury a few years back and played for the 3rds, took 8-12 (inc. a hat trick) on a pitch where I hit three in the lid.

For the record, I bowl off-spin...

The only problem with the TVL model is that the balls have steadily deteriorated for the past decade, and are now some way short of the quality they used to be.  The pitches are by and large excellent though - like for like they compare well with anywhere I've played.  You get the odd quirk - not sure I ever want to face Hounslow's expensive imported Pakistani quick on their old track again though!

[Gingerbusiness]

The only problem with the TVL model is that the balls have steadily deteriorated for the past decade, and are now some way short of the quality they used to be.  The pitches are by and large excellent though - like for like they compare well with anywhere I've played.  You get the odd quirk - not sure I ever want to face Hounslow's expensive imported Pakistani quick on their old track again though!

Oh yeah... Really enjoyed playing there when I was 14/15...

However, when you play at Finch, Falkland, Thatcham, Henley etc etc - Really makes up for the odd one or two you have to endure...