Crossword Genius

Cherry? Round object sustaining insect (7,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cricket ball

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'cherry?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'round object sustaining insect' is the wordplay.
'round object' becomes 'ball' (I've seen this before).
'sustaining' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'insect' becomes 'cricket' (cricket is a kind of insect).
'ball' after 'cricket' is 'CRICKET BALL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for cricket ball that I've seen is " Test essential".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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