† trial balln.CricketObsolete a practice ball which a bowler was formerly allowed to bowl before beginning his first over (obsolete).
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trial ball1830
trial1884
1830 in R. S. Holmes Hist. Yorks. County Cricket (1904) 25 It is usual for a bowler, before he commences, to bowl a trial ball at one of his colleagues.
1870 Times 1 Sept. 10/4 The former [bowler] preluded his successes..with three trial balls.