New Delhi: Amidst growing concerns over the quality of the Dukes cricket balls used in the ongoing Test series between England and India, the manufacturer has confirmed a thorough review of the match balls used during the first three Tests. The developement comes following fierce criticism over the ball’s quality, with concerns raised about the ball getting soft and not being able to aid the bowlers across long spells.
India skipper Shubman Gill expressed concern after the Edgbaston Test and said that the Dukes ball had gone soft far too quickly, turning the contest in favour of the batters. Before Gill, several players and pundits had also noted that the ball is not performing like it traditionally does in English conditions.
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad also voiced his concern about the decline in quality of the ball, which has historically been renowned for maintaining shape and providing sustained movement.
Thorough investigation to asses the balls
Dilip Jajodia, owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd – the company responsible for manufacturing Dukes – told BBC Sport that the company would launch investigation to find out the issue.
“We will take it away, inspect and then start talking to the tanner, talking about all of the raw materials – everything. Everything we do will be reviewed, and then if we think some changes need to be made or tightened up, we will,” said Jajodia.
Dukes, used by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), is known for assisting bowlers in seam-friendly conditions, more than the SG ball used in India or the Kookaburra used in Australia. However, in this series, the bowlers have been at the mercy of the batters.
Barring the last two innings of the Lord’s Test, all scores in the series have been in excess of 300, raising concerns over the quality of the ball and the nature of the pitches.
The fourth Test of the series starts on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester with England eyeing to wrap up the series while India aiming to restore parity.