Why is a cricket ball made of leather?

Answer 1

Composite (plastic) cricket balls do not perform in the same way as leather balls. Within the game of cricket it is important for both swing Bowling and spin bowling that the surface of the ball can wear down during play so that one side can be shined and the other side left rough. This would not be as easily achieved with a plastic ball. Needless to say that a new ball is used at the start of each game, and for longer professional games the fielding captain may ask for a new ball after a set period of overs of use of the ball, e.g. 90 overs in test cricket. At the start of a game therefore the leather ball will be hard, shiny on both sides, and come off the wicket and the bat quicker. As the game progresses the ball will change in shape and become softer and rougher. if the ball goes too far out of shape a replacement ball of a similar surface condition may be requested.

Answer 2

A cricket ball is made with a core of cork which thin string is tightly wound around and then covered in leather which is stiched tightly together. This makes the ball exremely hard.