Cricket bowling apparatus

Abstract

A cricket ball for replicating spin bowling, comprising a body (12, fig 1) and at least one ridge 14 arranged at least partially around the body on a plane offset from the centre. A second ridge may b

Description

FIELD This relates to a cricket bowling apparatus, and a cricket ball. In particular, for use as cricket training aids to replicate spin bowling. BACKGROUND Bowling in cricket can be broken down into two basic categories, pace bowling and spin bowling. Pace bowling involves a bowler bowling the cricket ball as fast as possible, usually at speeds of somewhere between 70 and 90 miles per hour (mph). Spin bowling involves a bowler bowling the cricket ball at a slower speed, e.g. between 40 and 50mph, and imparting spin on the ball in order to make the ball cut to the left or right by a small angle, e.g. up to 6 degrees or so, after bouncing on the pitch. Imparting spin on the ball requires a bowler to make a complex movement of their fingers and wrist. It is a skilled task that can take years to master. Even then the majority of spin bowlers can only turn the ball one way. An off break bowler causes the ball to turn into the right handed batter, e.g. cut to the bowlers right after bouncing on the pitch, and a leg break bowler causes the ball to turn away from a right handed batter, e.g. cut to the bowlers left after bouncing on the pitch. Broadly speaking, cricket is within the category of “bat-and-ball games”. That is, a field game played between two opposing teams in which one team throws a ball at a player of the other team, who tries to hit it with a bat and then run between various safe areas in the field to score points. Major examples of such bat-and-ball games include cricket, baseball and softball. Cricket is relatively unique in this context in that it is the only of the major examples in which it is common for the ball to bounce once it is released by the bowler before it has reached the batter. Indeed, in baseball and softball this is generally impermissible. Thus, there are entirely different considerations which go into cricket balls as compared to baseballs or softballs. Teams will typically have both pace bowler and spin bowlers in their bowling attacks, and so it is important for batters to be able to practice against both types of bowling. Training aids are available to replicate the technique of pace bowling, so that a batter may practice batting the ball. For example, GB 2 475 396 A describes a ball throwing device which is capable of replicating pace bowling. Devices such as this are sold as the SIDEARM. The device allows a user, who might otherwise not be able to bowl the ball at conventional pace bowling speeds, to feed balls to a practising batter at those conventional pace bowling speeds and without tiring as quickly. The device comprises a shaft, a handle means, and a gripping means adapted to receive, grip and release a cricket ball. The gripping means take the form of a cup defining a partial sphere and an opening, and having internal dimensions similar to the external dimensions of a cricket ball. The gripping means includes a channel to accommodate the seam of the cricket ball. WO 2022 261711 A1 discloses a cricket ball thrower assembly which is a modification to the SIDEARM device of GB 2 475 396 A. Devices according to this are sold under the name RapidArm. The cricket ball thrower assembly comprises: a shaft extending between a proximal and a distal end; a handle adapted to be held by a user, the handle comprising: a hollow internal volume adapted for telescopically receiving the proximal end of the shaft thereby allowing an effective length of the shaft to be adjusted during use; and a locking arrangement to lock the shaft relative to the handle and prevent telescopic movement of the shaft within the internal volume of the handle; a ball holder attached to the distal end of the shaft, the ball holder being adapted to receive and releasably grip a cricket ball. Adjusting the effective length of the shaft in this manner allows for the release speed of the ball to be altered. Further, in WO 2022 261711 A1 the distal end of the shaft comprises a ring-shaped connector that is shaped for being received into a ring-shaped receiver via an attachment arrangement. The ring-shaped receiver comprises two spaced apart circular ring members that are adapted to receive the ring-shaped connector therebetween. Inner walls of the spaced apart circular ring members each define a circular channel to receive and retain the ring-shaped connector and allow relative rotation between the ring-shaped connector and the ring-shaped receiver. The ring-shaped connector also comprises ring-shaped channels on opposed faces of the connector with profiled portions defining the ring-shaped channels on each face. Each ring-shaped channel is therefore adapted to movably engage the spaced apart ring members. As a result, the ring-shaped receiver can rotate relative to the ring-shaped connector to allow variation of an angular orientation of the ball holder relative to the distal end of the shaft. An orientation locking mechanism may be provided to prevent relative rotation between the ring-shaped connector and the ring-shaped receiver. Adjusting the angular orientation of the ball holder in this way allows for further variety in of throwdowns of the ball. While these devices can be used to replicate pace bowling, they are unable to replicate spin bowling. Indeed, due to the complexity of the technique, spin bowling is difficult to replicate. For training against spin bowling a batter generally has three options. The first and most common option is to train with an accomplished spin bowler. However such are in short supply, they get tired and, unless they have an unusual skill level, generally they can only turn the ball one way. The second option is a spin mat which is an approximately one metre square rubber mat that has ridges in its upper surface to knock the ball sideways as it bounces and thereby replicate the motion of a ball in spin bowling. These mats are heavy, cumbersome and only cover a small area of the pitch so it is difficult for the ball feeder to hit them consistently. The third option is a bowling machine designed to spin the ball. These machines can be expensive and therefore not generally available to the majority of cricketers. US 2019 335713 A1 discloses, according to its abstract, a launcher and a projectile for fetch games with pets. The launcher, in certain implementations, may be used to pick up and launch the projectile that has a core to engage with a head of the launcher. Same size cores may be used in projectiles of different sizes, appearances, shapes, and materials (for different pets) such that a common launcher can be used. The projectile is generally a spherical ball and has one or more channels each formed circumferentially around the ball. The head of the launcher clips around this channel to grip the ball, which is then released by swinging the launcher. GB 2 259 257 A discloses, according to its abstract, a play ball which has a surface in which an arrangement of ribs or projections which stand proud of the rest of the surface of the ball so that the ball will bounce in an irregular way. Alternatively the surface may have channels and may have eccentric weighting. The purpose of the ball is to bounce unpredictably, and so there is no associated launcher or intended launch direction. The very purpose of this ball is a random trajectory. US 11 202 942 B1 discloses, according to its abstract, a sports ball having asymmetrical traction and / or asymmetrical surface structure. The asymmetrical traction is for differentially controlling ball spin and trajectory height as the ball is projected from a pitching machine. The asymmetrical surface structure is for differentially controlling the lateral component of the ball's trajectory. Optionally, the ball is a pitching machine ball. The method also provides a method of projecting the ball from a pitching machine. This is a ball for use in softball or baseball, as indicated by the reference to “pitching”. As a result, the intended use of the ball is for it to not bounce in its trajectory between the pitching machine and a batter facing the pitching machine. This is why grooves are used as they affect the airflow past the ball, in order to pitch a curveball. US 4 128 238 A discloses, according to its abstract, a baseball made to meet playing rule requirements as to size and weight but having a small segment removed therefrom so that the ball when thrown by a pitcher without any twist being imparted to the ball will curve in the same manner and degree as a conventional baseball when thrown by a competent curve ball pitcher. Again, this is a ball for baseball (or softball), and segments of the ball are removed to leave grooves / channels. This is again to airflow past the ball in order to pitch a curveball. The object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple training aid intended to consistently replicate spin bowling. SUMMARY In a first aspect there is provided a bowling apparatus for use in replicating spin bowling. The apparatus comprises a ball and a launching device. The ball comprises a body and a ridge. The body having a centre. The ridge is arranged at least partially around the body on a plane that is offset from the centre of the body, for example in a first direction. The launching device comprises a ball engaging arrangement. The ball engaging arrangement is configured to receive the ball therein. The ball engaging arrangement is configured to impart a retaining force on the ball, e.g. a frictional force and / or a gripping force, when the ball is mounted in the launching device. The ball engaging arrangement is configured to release the ball, for example in a release direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge and / or with the ridge in an upright position, when an inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the launching device with the ball mounted therein. The ridge being formed as a protrusion extending outwardly of the body. The ball may specifically be a cricket ball (also referred to as a simulation cricket ball or a training cricket ball). The launching device may be a cricket ball launching device. The bowling apparatus may be a cricket bowling apparatus. The ball engaging arrangement may specifically be a cricket ball engaging arrangement. In use, the ball is mounted in the ball engaging arrangement of the launching device. The launching device with the ball mounted therein is moved, e.g. swung, through the air by a user. The ball is released from the launching device, for example in a release direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge and / or with the ridge in an upright position, during the movement when the inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force imparted on the ball by the ball engaging arrangement. When the released ball bounces on the ground, the ridge around the ball will knock the ball sideways, thus imitating spin bowling. An off break or leg break spin bowl can be achieved depending on the orientation in which the ball is mounted in the launching device. By providing the ridge on the ball to cause the ball to cut on bouncing, spin bowling can be imitated regardless of where on the ground the ball bounces. The ridge may at least partially surround the body. The ridge may be castellated, e.g. comprise a plurality of ridge portions arranged circumferentially around the body. Alternatively, the ridge may surround, e.g. wholly surround, the body. Preferably, the ridge may encircle the body. This may ensure that predictable and repeatable imitation spin bowling can be easily achieved. The body may be spherical. The body may comprise or be formed of a core, such as a ball bearing. The body may comprise or be formed of steel. The ball may further comprise a grip portion. The grip portion may be arranged at least partially around the body adjacent the ridge. The grip portion may at least partially surround the body. The grip portion may surround, e.g. wholly surround, the body. The grip portion may encircle the body. The grip portion may be arranged around a middle portion of the body, e.g. the grip portion may be arranged around the body on a plane through the centre of the body. The grip portion may comprise or be formed of hard rubber, e.g. Shore 90 A. The ridge may comprise or be formed of soft rubber, e.g. Shore 75 A. The ball may comprise a first outer layer around the body. The first outer layer may form the grip portion. The first outer layer may be a layer of rubber, for example this may be formed of hard rubber. The ball may further comprise a second outer layer around the first outer layer. The second outer layer may at least partially form the ridge. The second outer layer may be a layer of rubber, for example this may be formed of soft rubber, e.g. rubber softer than the rubber of the first layer when this is also a layer of rubber. The grip portion may be configured to be received by the ball engaging portion of the launching device. When the ball is mounted in the launching device, the grip portion may be mounted in the ball engaging portion. The ball engaging arrangement may comprise a receiving member. The receiving member may be configured to receive the ball, e.g. the grip portion, therein. The grip portion and the receiving member may be complimentarily formed, e.g. be of complimentary shape and size, such that the grip portion may be received in the receiving member. The grip portion may be generally cylindrical. An axis of the grip portion may extend transverse (such as perpendicular) to the plane of the ridge. The axis of the grip portion may extend through the centre of the body. The receiving member may have a generally “C” shape form. The receiving member may be a partial cylinder. The receiving member may be at least semi-cylindrical, e.g. the circumferential extent of the receiving member may be at least 180°. The diameter of the receiving member may be the same as or smaller than the diameter of the grip portion. The receiving member may define an opening through which the ball is received and released. The width of the opening may be the same or less than the diameter of the grip portion. The receiving member may be a resilient member, e.g. the receiving member may be elastically deformable, to permit the ball to be received in the receiving member. Where the width of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the grip portion and the receiving member is a resilient member, the receiving member may impart the gripping force on the grip portion. The break of the ball upon bouncing on the ground, e.g. leg break or off break, may be determined by the position of the ridge relative to the receiving member when the ball is mounted in the launching device. If the ridge is positioned on the left of the receiving member when looking at the opening then leg break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball will cut to the left after bouncing on the ground. If the ridge is positioned on the right of the receiving member when looking at the opening then off break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball will cut to the right after bouncing on the ground. Put another way, if the ridge is positioned on the right of the receiving member when looking at the direction of release of the ball from the launching device then leg break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball will cut to the left after bouncing on the ground. If the ridge is positioned on the left of the receiving member when looking at the direction of release of the ball from the launching device then off break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball will cut to the right after bouncing on the ground. The grip portion and the receiving member may comprise complimentary engaging surfaces, e.g. surfaces having complimentary contours, such that when the ball is mounted in the launching device the receiving member is in engagement with the grip portion. The frictional force may form between the complimentary engaging surfaces. The grip portion may comprise a grip surface. The grip surface may be an external surface of the grip portion. The grip surface may be a convex surface. The grip surface may be generally cylindrical. The grip surface may extend transverse to the plane of the ridge. The receiving member may comprise a ball engaging surface. The ball engaging surface may be an internal surface of the receiving member. The ball engaging surface may be a concave surface. The ball engaging surface may be a partial cylinder. The ball engaging surface may be at least semi-cylindrical, e.g. the circumferential extent of the ball engaging surface may be at least 180°. The ball engaging surface and the grip surface may be the complementary engaging surfaces. The frictional force may form between the ball engaging surface and the grip surface. The diameter of the ball engaging surface may be the same as or smaller than the diameter of the grip surface such that the ball engaging surface imparts the gripping force onto the grip surface. The grip portion may comprise one or more slots. Each slot may extend across the grip surface to form a break in the grip surface. Each slot may extend generally transverse to the plane of the ridge. Each slot may extend generally axially of the grip portion. Each slot may be small relative to the size of the ridge in order to prevent the slot impacting the bounce of the ball. The ball engaging arrangement may comprise a hook (or tooth). The hook may be at a first end of the receiving member. The first end of the receiving member may be the end distal a user of the bowling apparatus. The hook and the receiving member may be integrally formed. The hook may be configured to be located in the / a slot when the ball is mounted in the launching device. When the ball is released from the launching device the hook may impart backspin on the ball, helping to keep the ball stable in the air, e.g. to retain the orientation of the ball, as it travels towards the batter. That is, the hook may be suitable for and / or configured to impart backspin on the ball when it is released. The launching device is configured to ensure that the inertia of the ball will overcome the retaining force of the launching device at an appropriate velocity to ensure a stable trajectory of the ball, as may be envisioned by a person of skill in the art, thus ensuring consistent bowling using the device. The launching device may be configured to be retrofitted to a ball throwing device. In this sense, a head for a launching device can be defined. Specifically, this could be a head for a cricket ball launching device. The head comprising: a ball engaging arrangement configured to receive the ball therein, impart a retaining force on the ball when the ball is mounted in the ball engaging arrangement and release the ball in a release direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge and / or with the ridge in an upright position when an inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the ball engaging arrangement with the ball mounted therein; and an attachment portion for attaching the head to a handle of a launching device. The ball may specifically be a cricket ball. The ball engaging arrangement may specifically be a cricket ball engaging arrangement. Alternatively, the launching device may comprise a handle. The handle may be connected to the ball engaging arrangement. The handle may be connected to the receiving member. The handle may be connected to the receiving member proximal the opening. The handle may be connected to the receiving member proximal a second end of the receiving member. The handle may be connected to the receiving member at a location distal the hook. The first end of the receiving member may be an end of the receiving member distal the handle. The handle may be attached to the receiving member, e.g. via one or more fastenings, adhesive, etc. Alternatively the handle may be integrally formed with the receiving member. The handle may be on a plane with the receiving member. The handle may extend radially from the receiving member. The launching device may be configured such that when the ball is mounted in the launching device the ridge is on a plane generally parallel to the handle. In use, a user may hold the handle at an end distal the ball engaging arrangement with the opening facing the intended direction of travel of the ball, and swing the launching device, e.g. preferably overarm, to release the ball from the launching device. The arrangement of the launching device, e.g. the relative position of the handle and the ball engaging arrangement, may ensure that the ball is released from the launching device with the ridge in the upright position. The handle may comprise a grip portion. The grip portion may be a portion of the handle distal the ball engaging arrangement. The grip portion may surround the handle to permit a user to rotate the launching device in the hand to find their preferred, e.g. most comfortable or most effective, throwing position. The grip portion may be contoured, e.g. ridged, for ergonomic gripping by a user. The grip portion may comprise a high friction surface, e.g. a surface of higher friction than the rest of the handle, to reduce the risk of dropping or releasing the launching device from the grip of a user. A section of the grip portion may be shaped to indicate an angle between a user’s arm or wrist and the release direction. For example, the section of the grip portion may be a thumb grip which is substantially polygonal, with sides of the polygon corresponding to different angles between the user’s arm or wrist and the release direction. The handle may comprise a shaft portion. The shaft portion of the handle may extend between the ball engaging arrangement and the grip portion of the handle. The shaft portion may have a length between 100mm and 500mm, preferably between 200mm and 400mm. The shaft portion may have a length of around 300mm. The shaft may be resilient, e.g. elastically deformable or flexible. The shaft may be configured with regard to length and flexibility to provide optimal assistance to a user in achieving a desirable velocity and trajectory of the ball, as may be envisioned by a person of skill in the art. In a second aspect there is provided a ball for use in replicating spin bowling. The ball may specifically be a cricket ball (also referred to as a simulation cricket ball or a training cricket ball). The ball comprises a body and a ridge. The ridge is arranged at least partially around the body on a plane that is offset from the centre of the body. This offset may be in a first direction. In use, the ridge around the ball will knock the ball sideways when it bounces on the ground, thus imitating spin bowling provided that the ball is thrown with enough power and released in the correct position by the ball feeder. Beneficially, by providing a ridge on the ball to cause the ball to cut on bouncing, spin bowling can be imitated regardless of where on the ground the ball bounces. The ridge may at least partially surround the body. The ridge may be castellated, e.g. comprise a plurality of ridge portions arranged circumferentially around the body. Alternatively, the ridge may surround, e.g. wholly surround, the body. The ridge may encircle the body. The body may be spherical. The body may comprise or be formed of a core, such as a ball bearing. The body (such as the core) may comprise or be formed of steel. The ridge may comprise or be formed of a layer of rubber. The ridge may be a sole ridge of the ball. That is, there may be no other ridges on the ball. That is, all ridges (i.e. the only ridge) on the ball is provided on a minor circle and / or are parallel. Alternatively, the ball may further comprise a second ridge arranged at least partially around the body on a second plane that is offset from the centre of the body in a second direction, the second direction opposite to the first direction. In which case, the other ridge can be referred to as a first ridge and the corresponding plane as a first plane. The second plane may be parallel to the first plane. The ridge and the second ridge may be rotationally offset from one another. The ridge and the second ridge are the only ridges of the ball. In other words, all ridges of the ball may be provided on minor circles and / or may be parallel to one another. A height of the ridge, defined as the extent that the ridge extends beyond the body, may vary around the body of the ball. In a third aspect there is provided a launching device configured to receive therein a ball according to the second aspect, impart a retaining force on the ball when the ball is mounted in the launching device and release the ball, for example in a release direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge and / or with the ridge in an upright position, when an inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the launching device with the ball mounted therein. The launching device may comprise a ball engaging arrangement configured to receive the ball. The launching device may be a cricket ball launching device. The ball may specifically be a cricket ball (also referred to as a simulation cricket ball or a training cricket ball). The ball engaging arrangement may specifically be a cricket ball engaging arrangement. The launching device may comprise a ball engaging arrangement. The ball engaging arrangement may comprise a hook configured to be located in a slot extending axially across a grip portion of the ball when the ball is mounted in the ball launching device. This can impart backspin on the ball when released. Alternatively, the launching device may further comprise a handle. The handle may be integrally formed with the ball engaging arrangement. The ball launching device may comprise: a handle connected to the ball engaging arrangement. The handle may comprise a grip portion and a shaft between the ball engaging arrangement and the grip portion. A section of the grip portion may be shaped to indicate an angle between a user’s arm or wrist and the release direction. For example, the section of the grip portion may be a thumb grip which is substantially polygonal, with sides of the polygon corresponding to different angles between the user’s arm or wrist and the release direction. Alternatively, the ball engaging arrangement may be configured to be attached, e.g. retrofitted, to a handle. Indeed, in a fourth aspect there is provided a head for a launching device. Specifically, this could be a head for a cricket ball launching device. The head comprising: a ball engaging arrangement configured to receive the ball therein, impart a retaining force on the ball when the ball is mounted in the ball engaging arrangement and release the ball in a release direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge and / or with the ridge in an upright position when an inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the ball engaging arrangement with the ball mounted therein; and an attachment portion for attaching the head to a handle of a launching device. The ball may specifically be a cricket ball. The ball engaging arrangement may specifically be a cricket ball engaging arrangement. In a fifth aspect there is provided a method of throwing a ball. The method comprising the steps of: providing a bowling apparatus as discussed herein; receiving the ball in the engaging arrangement to impart a retaining force on the ball; and moving the ball launching device to generate an inertial force of the ball which exceeds the retraining force, thereby releasing the ball in a release direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge and / or with the ridge in an upright position. The ball may specifically be a cricket ball (also referred to as a simulation cricket ball or a training cricket ball). The launching device may be a cricket ball launching device. The bowling apparatus may be a cricket bowling apparatus. The ball engaging arrangement may specifically be a cricket ball engaging arrangement. Moving the ball launching device may comprise swinging the ball launching device, for example in an arc. It should be understood that features defined above in accordance with any aspect or below relating to any embodiment may be utilized, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment or to form a further aspect or embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The present specification makes reference, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a ball; Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the ball; Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the centre of the ball; Figures 4A to 4C show schematic side views of examples of a ball; Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a launching device; Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the launching device; Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a bowling apparatus comprising the ball of Figures 1 to 3 mounted in the launching device of Figures 5 and 6; and Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the bowling apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 to 3 show a ball 10 for use in replicating spin bowling. Specifically, the ball 10 is a cricket ball. That being said, the present disclosure could equally be applied to a ball 10 for any use, including other sports than cricket where the ball 10 is intended to bounce between being released and it reaching a batter. The cricket ball may be specifically referred to as a simulation cricket ball or a training cricket ball, to differentiate from a cricket ball that would be used in a competitive match under conventional cricket rules. The ball 10 comprises a body 12. The body 12 is generally spherical. The ball 10 further comprises a ridge 14. The ridge 14 encircles the body 12 on a plane R that is offset from the centre C of the body 12. This offset may be specifically in a first direction. In other words, the ridge 14 can be defined as a small circle of the ball 10, that is of the generally spherical shape of the ball 10. A small circle being a spheric section that does not contain a diameter of the sphere. The ridge 14 is formed as a protrusion extending outwardly of the body 12. The ridge 14 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the body 12. The diameter of the ridge 14 being defined as a distance between the outermost points of the ridge 14 when viewed in a cross-section which is perpendicular to the plane R of the ridge 14 and which passes through the centre C of the body 12. A maximum diameter may be defined as a maximum length of a straight line which can be drawn between two points of the ridge 14. The ridge 14 may have a constant diameter. In which case, the maximum diameter is the diameter of the ridge 14 about its entire extent. The ridge 14 has a height, which is defined as the distance the ridge 14 extends beyond the body 12. In examples where the ridge 14 has a constant diameter, then this height will also be a constant height. There ridge 14 may be the only ridge 14 on the ball 10. That is, there may be no ridges which are not in the plane R. In other words, all ridges 14 on the ball 10 may be in the plane R. In such cases, the ridge 14 may be identified as a sole ridge 14. Figures 4A to 4C show a side view of the ball 10 from the right hand side of Figure 2, in which details of various different shapes of the ridge 14 can be seen. Figure 4A shows an example of such a ridge 14 about a ball 10. Alternatively, the diameter of the ridge 14 may vary in its extent around the body 12. In such cases, the height of the ridge 14 may vary in its extent around the body 12. Figures 4B and 4C show examples of such ridges 14. The height of the ridge 14 may be symmetric - that is, mirror symmetric about a plane which is perpendicular to the plane R of the ridge 14 and which passes through the centre C of the body 12. In other words, for any point on the ridge 14 there may be a corresponding point spaced 180° in the plane of the ridge 14 about a centre of the ridge 14. Alternatively, the height of the ridge 14 may be asymmetric. The examples of Figures 4B and 4C show an asymmetric ridge 14. That is, the height of the ridge 14 may vary around the body 12 of the ball 10. This variance may include the height of the ridge 14 being 0 - i.e. in some areas there may be no protruding ridge 14. Either side of the ridge 14 the ball 10 may have a smaller diameter than the ridge 14. The ridge 14 is formed as a protrusion which extends around (at least a part of) the ball 10, for example around (at least a part of) the small circle noted above. The ridge 14 may be continuous, extending in a full circle about the body 12 of the ball 10. The ridge 14 may have the same height (Figure 4A), or differing heights around the extent of the ridge 14 (Figures 4B and 4C). The ridge 14 may be castellated, e.g. comprise a plurality of ridge portions 14a arranged around the body 10, for example around the small circle noted above. The ridge sections 14a may be arranged with rotational symmetry about the centre of the ball 10, or may be asymmetric. Figures 4B and 4C show examples of such a castellated ridge 14 made up of these plurality of ridge portions 14a. As can be seen, the ridge may be continuous (Figure 4B), or in certain embodiments, the ridge 14 may extend only partially around the body 10 (Figure 4C). Differing the height of the ridge 14 will alter how much the ball 10 turns when it bounces based on the height of the ridge 14 at the point where the ball 10 contacts the ground. A taller ridge 14 at this point will result in greater turn. Figure 4C shows the discrete ridge sections 14a as having the same height as one another, but one or more of these ridge sections 14a may also have a different height to other ridge sections 14a. While Figures 4B and 4C show the ridge sections 14a as being discrete sections of the ridge 14, with jumps in respective heights, it is also possible that there could be one or more transition sections where the height of the ridge progressively increases / decreases between the heights of adjacent ridge section 14a. In other words, the ridge 14 could have a smooth curve in these sections. In certain examples, the ball 10 may have a second ridge 14, in addition to a first ridge 14 as discussed above. This second ridge 14 encircling the body 12 on a second plane R which is offset from the centre C of the body in an opposite direction to the first plane R of the first ridge 14. That is, in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first plane R and the second plane R may be parallel to one another. The second ridge 14 may have any of the features discussed herein in relation to the (first) ridge 14. The first ridge 14 and the second ridge 14 may be the only ridges on the ball 10. That is, all ridges may be in the first plane R or the second plane R (which are parallel to one another). When viewed in a side view (such as the balls 10 of Figures 4A to 4C), the first ridge 14 and second ridge 14 may be rotationally offset from one another (about an axis passing through the centre C of the ball 10 which is perpendicular to the first plane R). That is, a line passing through the first ridge which is perpendicular to the first plane R may not intersect with the second ridge 14. This has the effect of the ball 10 turning in different directions depending on which ridge 14 is provided at the portion of the ball 10 which contacts the ground. Returning to Figures 1 to 3 (though equally applicable to the ball 10 of Figures 4A to 4C), the ball 10 further comprises a grip portion 16. The grip portion 16 encircles a middle portion of the body 12 adjacent the ridge 14, e.g. the grip portion 16 encircles the body 12 on a broad plane through the centre C of the body 12. In other words, the grip portion 12 may extend along a great circle of the ball 10 - the great circle parallel to the small circle of the ridge 14. The majority of the body 12 is encircled by the grip portion 16. The grip portion 16 comprises a grip surface 18. The grip surface 18 is an external surface of the grip portion 16. The grip surface 18 is generally cylindrical, having an axis A extending transverse (for example, perpendicular) to the plane R of the ridge 16 through the centre C of the body 12. The grip surface 18 has a smaller than the diameter of the ridge 14. The diameter of the grip surface 18 may be larger than the diameter of the body 12, or smaller than the diameter of the body 12. Thus, when considering both the body 12 and the grip portion 16, the ball 10 is generally shaped as two spherical caps (the body 12) separated by a cylindrical section (the grip portion 16). The ridge 14 can separate one of the spherical caps from the cylindrical section. The grip portion 16 comprises slots 20. The illustrated ball 10 of Figures 1 to 3 comprises three slots 20. In other embodiments a ball 10 may comprise 1,2, 4 or more slots 20. The slots 20 extend axially across the grip surface 18 to form a break in the grip surface 18. The depth of the slots 20 is small relative to the height of the ridge 14 in order to minimise the impact of the slots 20 on the bounce of the ball 10. The slots 20 are generally perpendicular to the ridge 14. The slots 20 may extend up to the ridge 14. The slots 20 may extend an entire length of the grip surface 18 along the axis A. As shown in Figure 3, the body 12 of the ball 10 may comprise a core 12a. A first outer layer 22 may be around, e.g. surrounding, the core 12a. That is, the core 12a may be surrounded by (or encapsulated within) a first outer layer 22. This core 12a may comprise, for example, a steel ball such as a steel ball bearing. Alternatively, the core 12a may be formed of any suitable material such as polyurethane (specifically polyurethane foam). Polyurethane foam in this context may have a density in the range of 750 kilograms per cubic metre (kg / m3) to 300 kg / m3. For example, this may be specifically 750 kg / m3. Of course, other densities of polyurethane foam could also be used. The first outer layer 22 may be, for example a layer of rubber 22 around, e.g. surrounding, the core 12a (such as the steel ball bearing). That is, the first outer layer 22 may be identified as a first layer of rubber. The first outer layer 22 is shaped to form the grip portion 16. The first outer layer 22 may be hard rubber, e.g. Shore 90 A or greater. The ridge 14 can be formed outwardly of this first outer layer 22. For example, the ball 10 may further comprise a second outer layer 24 around, e.g. encircling, the first outer layer 22. The second outer layer 24 can form the ridge 14. The second outer layer 24 may be softer than the first outer layer 22. In certain cases, there may only a single outer layer 24 which forms the ridge 14. This single outer layer 24 can directly contact the core 12a. This single outer layer 24 may perform the function of the first outer layer 22 as well as the function of the second outer layer 24. The second outer layer 24 may be a layer of rubber. In examples where the first outer layer 22 is a first layer of rubber, the second outer layer 24 may be a second layer of rubber. The second outer layer 24 may be soft rubber, e.g. Shore 75 A or less. The core 12a may be formed of a different material to the first outer layer 22 and / or the second souter layer 24, or the single outer layer 24. The core 12a may be harder than the first outer layer 22 and / or the second outer layer 24, or the single outer layer 24. In further examples, the ball 10 may not be formed of multiple layers in this manner. Instead, the core 12a of the ball 10 may form the body 12 and one or more of the grip portion 16 and / or the ridge 14. For example, the ball 10 may be formed of a single material, shaped or moulded to form the various components. In other words, the body 12 and ridge 14 and / or grip portion 16 may be unitary and / or integral with one another. Specifically, this could be polyurethane (for example polyurethane foam). Again, polyurethane foam in this context may have a density in the range of 750 kilograms per cubic metre (kg / m3) to 300 kg / m3. For example, this may be specifically 750 kg / m3. Of course, other densities of polyurethane foam could also be used. Figures 5 and 6 show a launching device 30. Specifically, this can be a cricket ball launching device 30. The launching device 30 comprises a ball engaging arrangement 32. Specifically, this can be a cricket ball engaging arrangement 32. The ball engaging arrangement 32 is configured to receive the ball 10 therein. In particular, the ball engaging arrangement 32 is configured to receiving the grip portion 16 of the ball 10 therein. The ball 10 specifically may be the ball 10 discussed herein in relation to Figures 1 to 4C, or any other suitable ball 10. The ball engaging arrangement 32 comprises a receiving member 34. The receiving member 34 is configured to receive the ball 10 of the ball 10, therein. In particular, the receiving member 34 of the launching device 30 and the grip portion 22 of the ball 10 are complimentarily formed such that the grip potion 22 of the ball 10 can be received in the receiving member 34 of the launching device 30. The receiving member 34 has a generally “C” shaped form. The receiving member 34 defines an opening 36 through which the ball 10 can be received. The width of the opening 36 may be less than the diameter of the grip portion 22 of the ball 10. In order to permit the ball 10 to be received in the receiving member 34 through the opening 36, the receiving member 34 may be a resilient member, e.g. the receiving member 34 may be elastically deformable. The receiving member 34 comprises a ball engaging surface 38. The ball engaging surface 38 is an internal surface of the receiving member 34. The ball engaging surface 38 and the grip surface 18 are complimentarily formed. For example, the ball engaging surface 38 may be a partial cylinder. This partial cylinder can receive a cylindrical grip surface 18. The ball engaging arrangement 32 further comprises a hook 40 (also identified as a tooth). The hook 40 is located at a first end 42 of the receiving member 34, e.g. adjacent the opening 36. The hook 40 extends radially inward from the receiving member 34. The hook 40 and the receiving member 34 are integrally formed. The hook 40 is configured to be received in one of the slots 20 when the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30. The provision of multiple slots 20 allows for ease and efficiency of mounting the ball 10 in the launching device 30. The launching device 30 further comprises a handle 44. The handle 44 is integrally formed with the ball engaging arrangement 32 via the receiving member 34. The handle 44 extends radially outward from the receiving member 34. In alternative launching devices 30, the handle 44 may be formed separately from the ball engaging arrangement 32 and attached to, e.g. releasably attached to, the ball engaging arrangement 32 via fastenings, adhesive or the like. This can allow the ball engaging arrangement 32 to be retrofitted to an existing handle 44. That is, an existing handle 44 can be taken, and a ball engaging arrangement 32 attached thereto. The handle 44 is connected to the receiving member 34 proximal a second end 46 of the receiving member 34 and distal the hook 40. In this sense, the ball engaging arrangement 32 may be provided separately for attachment to a handle 44. The ball engaging arrangement 32 in this context may be defined as a “head” of the launching device 30. This term is simply used as an identifier and does not impart any additional technical meaning. The head may simply be a cricket ball launching device as discussed herein at its most basic level. Such a ball engaging arrangement 32 may have any of the features discussed herein, along with an attachment portion for attaching the ball engaging arrangement 32 with a handle 44. The attachment portion may allow relative rotation between the handle 44 and the ball engaging arrangement 32. The handle 44 comprises a grip portion 48. The grip portion 48 is a portion, e.g. an end portion, of the handle 44 distal the ball engaging arrangement 32. The grip portion 48 is contoured, e.g. ridged, for ergonomic gripping by a user. The grip portion 48 may comprise a high friction surface, e.g. a surface of higher friction than the rest of the handle 44, to reduce the risk of a user dropping or releasing the launching device 30 from their grip. The grip portion 48 extends fully around the handle 44 to permit a user to rotate the launching device 30 in the hand to find their preferred, e.g. most comfortable or most effective, throwing position. The grip portion 48 (or at least a section thereof) may be shaped so as to indicate an angle between the user’s arm or wrist and the release direction T of the ball 10. For example, the grip portion 48 may include a thumb grip 48a (which could be the section of the grip portion 48). This thumb grip 48a may be substantially polygonal in plan view (i.e. along the handle 44). In use, the user can press their thumb against a side of the polygon. By rotating the launching device 30 in their hand, their thumb may engage with a different side of the polygon. Thus, by aligning the respective side of the polygon with their thumb the user can select an angle between the user’s arm or wrist and the release direction T of the ball 10. The handle 44 further comprises a shaft portion 50. The shaft portion 50 of the handle 44 extends between the ball engaging arrangement 32 and the grip portion 48 of the handle 44. The shaft portion 50 has a length of between 100 millimetres (mm) and 500 mm, such as between 200 mm and 400mm, for example around 300 mm. The shaft portion 50 can be resilient, e.g. elastically deformable or flexible. The shaft portion 50 provides optimal assistance to a user in achieving a desirable velocity and trajectory of the ball 10. Collectively, the ball 10 and the launching device 30 form a bowling apparatus 60, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. When the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30, the grip portion 16 of the ball 10 is mounted in the ball engaging arrangement 32 of the launching device 30. The grip portion 16 is partially surrounded by the receiving member 34. The ball engaging surface 38 and the grip surface 18 are complementary engaging surfaces. The hook 40 is located in one of the slots 20 when the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30. The ball engaging arrangement 32 is configured to impart a retaining force on the ball 10, e.g. a frictional force and a gripping force, when the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30. In particular, the receiving member 34 being resilient and having an opening 36 the same as or smaller than the diameter of the grip portion 48 results in the receiving member 34 imparting the gripping force on the grip portion 48 of the ball 10. The frictional force is formed between the complimentary engaging ball engaging surface 38 and grip surface 18. The launching device 30 is configured such that when the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30 the handle 44 is generally parallel to the plane R of the ridge 14. In use, a user holds the grip portion 48 of the handle with the opening 36 facing the intended direction of travel of the ball 10, indicated by the arrow T in Figure 7. This intended direction of travel of the ball 10 can also be identified as the release direction T of the ball 10. The ball engaging arrangement 32 is configured to release the ball 10, e.g. in the direction T, when an inertial force of the ball 10 exceeds the retaining force during movement of the launching device 30 with the ball 10 mounted therein, e.g. when the launching device 30 is swung through the air, preferably overarm, by a user. This can be in a manner analogous to bowling a ball. In use, when the released ball 10 bounces on the ground, the ridge 14 around the ball 10 will knock the ball 10 sideways, thus imitating spin bowling. Specifically, the release direction T of the ball 10 can be substantially parallel to the plane R of the ridge 14. This means that the ridge 14 will travel through the air substantially vertically or upright and impact the ground, thereby ensuring that spin is imparted to the ball 10. In other words, the ball engaging arrangement 32 may be configured to release the ball in this manner. In use, this means that the ball 10 is released with the ridge in an upright position (assuming the plane R is substantially upright when the ball 10 is released). An off break or leg break spin bowl can be achieved depending on the orientation in which the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30, in particular the position of the ridge 14 relative to the receiving member 34 when the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30. If the ridge 14 is positioned on the left of the receiving member 34 from the viewing position looking into the receiving member 34 through the opening 36 (as shown in Figures 7 and 8) then leg break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball 10 will cut to the left after bouncing on the ground. If the ridge 14 is positioned on the right of the receiving member 34 from the viewing position looking into the receiving member 34 through the opening 36 then off break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball 10 will cut to the right after bouncing on the ground. Put another way, if the ridge 14 is positioned on the right of the receiving member 34 from the viewing position looking in the direction of release of the ball 10 from the launching device 30 (as shown in Figures 7 and 8) then leg break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball 10 will cut to the left after bouncing on the ground. If the ridge 14 is positioned on the left of the receiving member 34 from the viewing position looking in the direction of release of the ball 10 from the launching device 30 then off break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball 10 will cut to the right after bouncing on the ground. As noted above, an example ball 10 is possible with ridge portions 14a on both sides of the ball 10. This would mean that the direction that the ball 10 cuts will depend on the point of contact of the ball 10 and the ground and which of the ridge portions 14a contacts the ground. The arrangement of the launching device 30, e.g. the relative position of the handle 44 and the ball engaging arrangement 32, and the relation between the ball engaging arrangement 32 and the ball 10, ensures that the ball 10 is mounted in and released from the launching device 30 with the ridge 14 in the upright position. When the ball 10 is released from the launching device 30, the hook 40 imparts backspin on the ball 10, helping to retain the orientation of the ball 10 with the ridge 14 in the upright position as the ball 10 travels through the air. As noted above, the ball engaging arrangement 32 may be provided separately for attachment to a handle 44 via an attachment portion. The ball engaging arrangement 32 in this context may be defined as a “head” of the launching device 30. In specific examples, this ball engaging arrangement 32 may be configured to attach to the shaft of WO 2022 261711 A1. Any suitable attachment portion, such as disclosed therein, which can attach to this shaft may be used with the head. For example, the attachment portion may comprise two spaced apart circular ring members that are adapted to receive a ring-shaped connector of a shaft therebetween. The inner walls of the spaced apart circular ring members may each define a circular channel to receive and retain the ring-shaped connector and allow relative rotation between the ringshaped connector and the attachment portion. The attachment portion, for example one or both of the ring members, may comprise one or more openings arranged to receive a locking pin for preventing relative rotation between the ring-shaped connector and the attachment portion. The openings may be radially arranged on one or both of the circular ring members. Visible indication or markings may also be provided adjacent the openings to provide an indication of the selected orientation at which the orientation has been locked. Other examples with a single circular ring member are also possible. A method of throwing a ball 10 (such as a cricket ball as discussed herein) is also provided. This method comprises the steps of: providing a bowling apparatus 60 as discussed herein. The ball 10 is then received in the ball engaging arrangement 32 (such as a cricket ball engaging arrangement) to thereby impart a retaining force on the ball 10. The launching device 30 (such as a cricket ball launching device) is then moved to generate an inertial force of the ball 10 which exceeds the retraining force. As a result, the ball 10 is released in a release direction substantially parallel to the plane R of the ridge 14. Specifically, this movement could comprise swinging the launching device 30, for example in an arc. The above description is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting. The disclosure includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations. It should be understood that features defined above in accordance with any aspect or embodiment may be utilized, either alone or in combination with any 5 other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment or to form a further aspect or embodiment. C LAUSES: 1. A bowling apparatus for use in replicating spin bowling, comprising: a ball comprising a body and a ridge, the ridge arranged at least partially around the body on a plane that is offset from the centre of the body; and a launching device comprising a ball engaging arrangement configured to receive the ball therein, impart a retaining force on the ball when the ball is mounted in the launching device and release the ball when an inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the launching device with the ball mounted therein. 2. The bowling apparatus of clause 1, wherein the ball further comprises a grip portion encircling the body adjacent the ridge. 3. The bowling apparatus of clause 2, wherein the grip portion is generally cylindrical and defines an axis which extends transverse to the plane of the ridge and through the centre of the body. 4. The bowling apparatus of clause 2 or 3, wherein the ball engaging arrangement comprises a receiving member configured to receive the grip portion therein. 5. The bowling apparatus of clause 4, wherein the grip portion and the receiving member comprise complimentary engaging surfaces. 6. The bowling apparatus of clause 4 or 5, wherein the receiving member has the shape of a partial cylinder. 7. The bowling apparatus of clause 6, when dependent on clause 3, wherein a diameter of the receiving member is the same as or smaller than the diameter of the grip portion. 8. The bowling apparatus of clause 6 or 7, wherein the receiving member defines an opening configured for the ball to be received and released therethrough. 9. The bowling apparatus of any one of clauses 4 to 8, wherein the receiving member is configured to impart the retaining force on the grip portion. 10. The bowling apparatus of any of clauses 2 to 9, wherein the grip portion comprises a slot extending axially across the grip portion. 11. The bowling apparatus of clause 10, wherein the ball engaging arrangement comprises a hook configured to be located in the slot when the ball is mounted in the launching device. 12. The bowling apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising a handle connected to the ball engaging arrangement. 13. The bowling apparatus of clause 12, wherein the handle comprises a grip portion and a shaft between the ball engaging arrangement and the grip portion. 14. The bowling apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the ball engaging arrangement is configured to release the ball with the ridge in an upright position when an inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the launching device with the ball mounted therein. 15. The bowling apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the ball is a cricket ball. 16. A ball for use in replicating spin bowling, comprising a body and a ridge arranged at least partially around the body on a plane that is offset from the centre of the body. 17. The ball of clause 16, wherein the body comprises a steel ball and the ridge is formed of a layer of rubber around the steel ball. 18. The ball of clause 16 or 17, wherein the ball is a cricket ball. 19. A launching device configured to receive therein a ball according to any of clauses 16 to 18, impart a retaining force on the ball when the ball is mounted in the launching device and release the ball when an inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the launching device with the ball mounted therein. 20. The launching device of clause 19, wherein the launching device comprises a ball engaging arrangement configured to receive the ball therein. 21. The launching device of clause 20, wherein the ball engaging arrangement is configured to release the ball with the ridge in an upright position when an inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the launching device with the ball mounted therein. 22. A cricket bowling apparatus for use in replicating spin bowling, comprising: a cricket ball comprising: a body having a centre; and a ridge, the ridge arranged at least partially around the body on a plane that is offset from the centre of the body in a first direction; and a cricket ball launching device comprising: a cricket ball engaging arrangement configured to receive the cricket ball therein, impart a retaining force on the cricket ball when the cricket ball is mounted in the cricket ball launching device and release the cricket ball in a release direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge when an inertial force of the cricket ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the cricket ball launching device with the cricket ball mounted therein. 23. The cricket bowling apparatus of clause 22, wherein the cricket ball further comprises a grip portion encircling the body adjacent the ridge. 24. The cricket bowling apparatus of clause 23, wherein the grip portion is generally cylindrical and defines an axis which extends transverse to the plane of the ridge and through the centre of the body. 25. The cricket bowling apparatus of clause 23 or 24, wherein the cricket ball engaging arrangement comprises a receiving member configured to receive the grip portion therein. 26. The cricket bowling apparatus of clause 25, wherein the grip portion and the receiving member comprise complimentary engaging surfaces. 27. The cricket bowling apparatus of clause 25 or 26, wherein the receiving member has the shape of a partial cylinder. 28. The cricket bowling apparatus of clause 27, when dependent on clause 3, wherein a diameter of the receiving member is the same as or smaller than the diameter of the grip portion. 29. The cricket bowling apparatus of clause 27 or 28, wherein the receiving member defines an opening configured for the cricket ball to be received and released therethrough. 30. The cricket bowling apparatus of any one of clauses 25 to 29, wherein the receiving member is configured to impart the retaining force on the grip portion. 31. The cricket bowling apparatus of any of clauses 23 to 30, wherein the grip portion comprises a slot extending axially across the grip portion. 32. The cricket bowling apparatus of clause 31, wherein the cricket ball engaging arrangement comprises a hook configured to be located in the slot when the cricket ball is mounted in the cricket ball launching device. 33. The cricket bowling apparatus of clause 32, wherein the hook is for imparting backspin on the cricket ball 10 when it is released. 34. The cricket bowling apparatus of any of clauses 22 to 33, further comprising a handle connected to the cricket ball engaging arrangement. 35. The cricket bowling apparatus of clause 34, wherein the handle comprises a grip portion and a shaft between the cricket ball engaging arrangement and the grip portion. 36. The cricket bowling apparatus of clause 35, wherein a section of the grip portion is shaped to indicate an angle between a user’s arm or wrist and the release direction. 37. The cricket bowling apparatus of clause 36, wherein the section of the grip portion is a thumb grip which is substantially polygonal, with sides of the polygon corresponding to different angles between the user’s arm or wrist and the release direction. 38. A cricket bowling apparatus for use in replicating spin bowling, comprising: a cricket ball comprising: a body having a centre; and a ridge, the ridge arranged at least partially around the body on a plane that is offset from the centre of the body in a first direction; and a cricket ball launching device comprising: a cricket ball engaging arrangement configured to receive the cricket ball therein, impart a retaining force on the cricket ball when the cricket ball is mounted in the cricket ball launching device and release the cricket ball with the ridge in an upright position when an inertial force of the cricket ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the cricket ball launching device with the cricket ball mounted therein. 39. A cricket ball for use in replicating spin bowling, comprising a body and a ridge arranged at least partially around the body on a plane that is offset from the centre of the body in a first direction. 40. The cricket ball of clause 39, where the ridge is a sole ridge of the cricket ball. 41. The cricket ball of clause 39, further comprising a second ridge arranged at least partially around the body on a second plane that is offset from the centre of the body in a second direction, the second direction opposite to the first direction. 42. The cricket ball of clause 41, wherein the second plane is parallel to the plane. 43. The cricket ball of clause 41 to 42, wherein the ridge and the second ridge are rotationally offset from one another. 44. The cricket ball of any of clauses 41 to 43, wherein the ridge and the second ridge are the only ridges of the cricket ball. 45. The cricket ball of any of clauses 39 to 44, wherein a height of the ridge varies around the body of the cricket ball. 46. A cricket ball launching device comprising a cricket ball engaging arrangement, the cricket ball launching device configured to: receive in the cricket ball engaging arrangement a cricket ball according to any of clauses 39 to 45; impart a retaining force on the cricket ball when the cricket ball is mounted in the cricket ball launching device; and release the cricket ball in a release direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge when an inertial force of the cricket ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the cricket ball launching device with the cricket ball mounted therein. 47. The cricket ball launching device of clause 46, wherein the cricket ball engaging arrangement comprises a hook configured to be located in a slot extending axially across a grip portion of the cricket ball when the cricket ball is mounted in the cricket ball launching device. 48. The cricket ball launching device of clause 46 or 47, wherein the cricket ball launching device comprises: a handle connected to the cricket ball engaging arrangement. 49. The cricket ball launching device of clause 48, wherein the handle comprises a grip portion and a shaft between the cricket ball engaging arrangement and the grip portion. 50. The cricket ball launching device of clause 49, wherein a section of the grip portion is shaped to indicate an angle between a user’s arm or wrist and the release direction. 51. The cricket ball launching device of clause 50, wherein the section of the grip portion is a thumb grip which is substantially polygonal, with sides of the polygon corresponding to different angles between the user’s arm or wrist and the release direction. 52. A head for a cricket ball launching device, the head comprising: a cricket ball engaging arrangement configured to receive the cricket ball therein, impart a retaining force on the cricket ball when the cricket ball is mounted in the cricket ball engaging arrangement and release the cricket ball in a release direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge when an inertial force of the cricket ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the cricket ball engaging arrangement with the cricket ball mounted therein; and an attachment portion for attaching the head to a handle of a cricket ball launching device. the head of clause 52; and the cricket ball of any of clauses 39 to 45. 54. A method of throwing a cricket ball comprising the steps of: 5 providing a cricket bowling apparatus according to any of clauses 22 to 38; receiving the cricket ball in the cricket ball engaging arrangement to impart a retaining force on the cricket ball; and moving the cricket ball launching device to generate an inertial force of the cricket ball which exceeds the retraining force, thereby releasing the cricket ball in a release 10 direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge. 55. The method of clause 54, wherein moving the cricket ball launching device comprises swinging the cricket ball launching device. 15

Claims

1. A cricket ball for use in replicating spin bowling, comprising a body and a ridge arranged at least partially around the body on a plane that is offset from the centre of the body in a first direction.

2. The cricket ball of claim 1, where the ridge is a sole ridge of the cricket ball.

3. The cricket ball of claim 1, further comprising a second ridge arranged at leastpartially around the body on a second plane that is offset from the centre of the body in a second direction, the second direction opposite to the first direction.

4. The cricket ball of claim 3, wherein the second plane is parallel to the plane.

5. The cricket ball of claim 3 to 4, wherein the ridge and the second ridge arerotationally offset from one another.

6. The cricket ball of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the ridge and the second ridge are the only ridges of the cricket ball.

7. The cricket ball of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein a height of the ridge varies around the body of the cricket ball.

8. A cricket ball launching device comprising a cricket ball engaging arrangement, the cricket ball launching device configured to:receive in the cricket ball engaging arrangement a cricket ball according to any of claims 1 to 7;impart a retaining force on the cricket ball when the cricket ball is mounted in the cricket ball launching device; andrelease the cricket ball in a release direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge when an inertial force of the cricket ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the cricket ball launching device with the cricket ball mounted therein.

9. The cricket ball launching device of claim 8, wherein the cricket ball engaging arrangement comprises a hook configured to be located in a slot extending axially across agrip portion of the cricket ball when the cricket ball is mounted in the cricket ball launching device.

10. The cricket ball launching device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the cricket ball launching device comprises: a handle connected to the cricket ball engaging arrangement.

11. The cricket ball launching device of claim 10, wherein the handle comprises a grip portion and a shaft between the cricket ball engaging arrangement and the grip portion.

12. The cricket ball launching device of claim 11, wherein a section of the grip portion is shaped to indicate an angle between a user’s arm or wrist and the release direction.

13. The cricket ball launching device of claim 12, wherein the section of the grip portion is a thumb grip which is substantially polygonal, with sides of the polygon corresponding to different angles between the user’s arm or wrist and the release direction.

14. A head for a cricket ball launching device, the head comprising:a cricket ball engaging arrangement configured to receive the cricket ball therein, impart a retaining force on the cricket ball when the cricket ball is mounted in the cricket ball engaging arrangement and release the cricket ball in a release direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge when an inertial force of the cricket ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the cricket ball engaging arrangement with the cricket ball mounted therein; andan attachment portion for attaching the head to a handle of a cricket ball launching device.

15. A kit comprising:the head of claim 14; andthe cricket ball of any of claims 1 to 7.

16. A method of throwing a cricket ball comprising the steps of:providing a cricket bowling apparatus comprising:a cricket ball according to any of claims 1 to 7; anda cricket ball launching device according to any of claims 8 to 13;receiving the cricket ball in the cricket ball engaging arrangement to impart aretaining force on the cricket ball; andmoving the cricket ball launching device to generate an inertial force of the cricket ball which exceeds the retraining force, thereby releasing the cricket ball in a release5 direction substantially parallel to the plane of the ridge.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein moving the cricket ball launching device comprises swinging the cricket ball launching device.10

Images