You could try and make some artwork (I use Gimp because it's free and has a pretty small learning curve, but blender might be more to your liking...also free) to create the feel of a ball rolling. Import the frames into and animation, set your speed.
I typically use 9 animations, 6 frames each, 0,45,90,135, etc.
Then use the angle of the ball's movement to set the animation in real time.
I've done a few things like this, and it can look pretty realistic.
I do find it easier to have an object that moves and rotates that is invisible. Then pin the animation to that object. That way the animation doesn't rotate, but you can easily get the angle of the sprite that does. Makes it a lot easier to set the animations. (just MO)