ODI ball rule linked to more late swing and lower pace-bowling economy rates

Pace bowlers are finding more movement late in one-day internationals following a change to the rules governing the use of white balls, according to a BBC Sport report published on Monday. Its statistical comparison shows lower economy rates in the final five overs since the new conditions took effect, alongside an increase in the proportion of full deliveries that swing significantly.

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The rule introduced in July 2025 allows captains to select one of the two balls in use after 34 overs and retain it for the remaining 16. Previously, the two balls continued to be used from opposite ends. Keeping one ball in play for longer allows it to become more worn, creating greater scope for reverse swing as an innings progresses.

BBC Sport reported that half of pace bowlers' full deliveries in the final 10 overs have swung more than one degree since the change, compared with 35% during the preceding 18 months. Pace-bowling economy rates in the final five overs have fallen from 8.40 runs per over to 7.95. Bowling averages over that closing period have also improved, declining from 19.2 runs per wicket to 18.3.

England have recorded substantial changes at the end of innings. Their bowling average in that phase has fallen from 36.76 to 20.91, while their economy rate has dropped from 9.78 to 7.53. Their batting scoring rate has moved in the opposite direction, rising from 8.07 to 9.16. The report cautioned, however, that England's broader improvement in ODI cricket means those gains cannot necessarily be attributed solely to the ball rule.

Among individual bowlers, West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has generated 84% more swing late in innings, with his bowling average improving from 24.1 to 17.4. South Africa's Lungi Ngidi has recorded a 63.3% increase in movement, while his average has fallen to 13 and his economy rate from 9.34 to six.

The changes have not been uniform across venues. Late-innings swing has increased by 63% in England and 33% in Bangladesh, but the increase has been smaller in Australia and South Africa. Only three ODIs had been played in South Africa since the rule change, limiting conclusions about its effect there.