In mainstream men’s international cricket, a new ball becomes available after 80 overs in Test matches, and at the start of each innings.

Basic rule in Tests

  • In matches lasting more than one day (e.g., Test cricket), the fielding captain may request a new ball once at least 80 overs have been bowled with the current ball.
  • A completely new ball is also used at the start of every innings, regardless of how many overs the previous innings lasted.

Extra context and variations

  • The 80‑over mark for the new ball is now embedded in multiple playing conditions, for example as a reference point for resetting certain sanctions after 80 overs.
  • Historically and in some domestic competitions, there have been different regulations (for example, older codes and local rules around 65–85 overs or runs off the ball), but top‑level international Tests today follow the 80‑over standard unless specific competition rules say otherwise.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.