The new Kookaburra Smart Ball is all set to revolutionize the world of cricket. Read on….
For the first time, the ball will talk! Yes, you have read it right. Kookaburra, leading cricket ball manufacturer from Australia, has teamed up with SportCor to develop world’s first Smart Ball that will have microchip inside. The chip will provide real–time data that will change the way we coach, play and experience the game.
Statistical Data
The role of Kookaburra Smart Ball would be to collect and relay all the statistical data instantly pertaining to revolutions, speed at which the ball is released, bounce, etc. through the embedded microchip located inside. In turn this will provide an immense insight for coaches, umpires, bowlers and an up and close experience for viewers like never before. For instance: once a bowler bowls the delivery he can immediately check his/ her smart watch and check the speed or degree of turn. The information can also be relayed on one’s smartphone or tablet app for coaches and trainers to take further course of action.
The Smart Ball will also have future capabilities of performing tasks like reading pitch behaviour, whether the ball has nicked the bat, whether the ball has hit the grass during low ground catches, and even assist in DRS process.
Science in Smart Ball
The microchip will be fitted in the smart ball’s core. Later layers of leather and rubber will be wrapped over it, then like other normal cricket balls different pieces of the balls will be gathered and stitched. This smart ball would look, feel and move like a normal cricket ball.
Challenges
At present, manufacturers are still working on the ball and it would take at least a year before it is allowed in any first class game. The primary concern would be the longevity issue that is how long the ball would last. But manufacturers are confident that the battery will last for about 8 hours which is a day of Test cricket. However, the battery can be recharged at any point of time by placing the ball in its charging hold. As far as chips is concerned it will last for about 18 months (outliving the normal life of a cricket ball), but manufacturers are working on increasing the timeframe. Once accepted, the smart ball will add to the long list of technology which is already in use in today’s cricketing world.
Manoj Mahanta
ScienceNow Digital
