Quarter seam
Encyclopedia
The Quarter seam is the tiny seam which runs around a cricket ball
at 90 degrees to the large, raised seam.
While the main seam can be 'picked at' - loosening the threads - in order to create conventional swing
when the ball is relatively new, more recently, an understanding has evolved that the quarter seam can be lifted on one side, presumably with the thumb or finger nails, to enable the operation of reverse swing on an already scuffed ball.
Lifting the quarter seam during an over alters the balance of air pressure surrounding the ball as it travels through the air and help it reverse. Unlike picking at the threads of the main seam, the quarter seam, if lifted, can be as easily replaced before the end of the over, when the ball is due to be inspected by the umpires
. Umpiring sources in England claim that lifting the quarter seam has been done in the past http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,426-2326193_1,00.html.
Most recently, the fourth Test
between England and Pakistan at the Oval
in London was forfeited following an accusation of tampering with the ball levelled at the Pakistani team by umpire Darrell Hair
, who was observed pointing to the quarter seam of the ball http://usa.cricinfo.com/engvpak/content/story/257046.html while discussing the issue with his fellow umpire, Billy Doctrove
, prior to calling for the ball to be replaced.
Cricket ball
A cricket ball is a hard, solid leather ball used to play cricket. Constructed of cork and leather, a cricket ball is heavily regulated by cricket law at first class level...
at 90 degrees to the large, raised seam.
While the main seam can be 'picked at' - loosening the threads - in order to create conventional swing
Swing bowling
Swing bowling is a technique used for bowling in the sport of cricket. Practitioners are known as swing bowlers. Swing bowling is generally classed as a subtype of fast bowling.-Physics of swing bowling:...
when the ball is relatively new, more recently, an understanding has evolved that the quarter seam can be lifted on one side, presumably with the thumb or finger nails, to enable the operation of reverse swing on an already scuffed ball.
Lifting the quarter seam during an over alters the balance of air pressure surrounding the ball as it travels through the air and help it reverse. Unlike picking at the threads of the main seam, the quarter seam, if lifted, can be as easily replaced before the end of the over, when the ball is due to be inspected by the umpires
Umpire (cricket)
In cricket, an umpire is a person who has the authority to make judgements on the cricket field, according to the Laws of Cricket...
. Umpiring sources in England claim that lifting the quarter seam has been done in the past http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,426-2326193_1,00.html.
Most recently, the fourth Test
Test cricket
Test cricket is the longest form of the sport of cricket. Test matches are played between national representative teams with "Test status", as determined by the International Cricket Council , with four innings played between two teams of 11 players over a period of up to a maximum five days...
between England and Pakistan at the Oval
The Oval
The Kia Oval, still commonly referred to by its original name of The Oval, is an international cricket ground in Kennington, in the London Borough of Lambeth. In the past it was also sometimes called the Kennington Oval...
in London was forfeited following an accusation of tampering with the ball levelled at the Pakistani team by umpire Darrell Hair
Darrell Hair
Darrell Bruce Hair is an Australian former Test match cricket umpire, from New South Wales. He stood on the Emirates International panel of umpires from 2002 to 2003, before he, along with fellow Australian Simon Taufel, and New Zealander Billy Bowden, was appointed to the ICC Elite umpire panel...
, who was observed pointing to the quarter seam of the ball http://usa.cricinfo.com/engvpak/content/story/257046.html while discussing the issue with his fellow umpire, Billy Doctrove
Billy Doctrove
Billy Raymond Doctrove is a former international football referee, but is best known as an international cricket umpire.- Career as a FIFA referee :...
, prior to calling for the ball to be replaced.