The second new ball is a fresh, hard leather ball that the fielding team can request after a specific number of overs—usually eighty—have been bowled. It replaces the old, soft ball to give fast bowlers a renewed advantage with extra bounce and swing. Example: The captain immediately took the second new ball to try to break the long partnership that had lasted all afternoon.
Pro-Tip: Taking this ball is a tactical gamble because while it helps the bowlers, the hardness also makes it easier for batters to hit boundaries. Teams usually wait until their fastest bowlers are rested and ready before calling for the swap.
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