WTC Final: Indian players are practicing with a special ball to catch catches, it is used in countries like England-New Zealand

In the last few years, there have been many experiments in the practice sessions of the Indian cricket team. Now for the preparation of the World Test Championship Final (WTC Final), the team is using colored rubber balls, so that there is no problem in catching even if the direction of the ball changes at the last moment during catching. During practice, Shubman Gill was seen taking catches from the green balls. There was also a yellow ball, but not the lawn tennis ball that is normally used by wicketkeepers and close fielders for practice.

A renowned fielding coach who has worked for the NCA said, “These are specially made rubber balls and not the ones used in gully cricket. These are called ‘reaction balls’ and are used for practice in certain countries like England or New Zealand, where there is cold air and cold weather.

Why is ‘reaction ball’ being used?

Asked about the importance of the green ball, he said, “There is no scientific or cricketing reason for a particular colour, but the rubber ball is used exclusively for catching by slip fielders and wicket-keepers.” England is the only country, and to some extent also New Zealand, the ball changes course by taking the outside edge of the batsman’s bat, making catching difficult. The Dukes ball wobbles even more, so practicing with rubber balls as they swing or wobble more.

Try to keep pace with the line of the ball

He then explained why these rubber “reaction balls” were being used for training. “These balls are lighter in weight and hence wobble and swing more. It takes effort to be in sync with the line of the ball. The reason for the use of balls of different colors is that the ball is not visible at the last second. The different colored balls help you keep your eye on the line till the last minute.