The producer of the enduring Dukes cricket ball, British Cricket Balls Ltd, has confirmed an in depth overview of the match balls used within the first three Exams of the continuing England vs India collection. This choice is available in response to mounting criticism from gamers and specialists who consider the ball has did not reside as much as its conventional requirements.
Shubman Gill raised pink flag after Edgbaston Take a look at
India’s Take a look at skipper Shubman Gill was one of many first to brazenly categorical frustration with the ball’s efficiency throughout the Edgbaston Take a look at. He identified that the Dukes ball was shedding its hardness a lot sooner than anticipated, making it considerably simpler for batters and denying bowlers the sting they normally take pleasure in in English situations.
Gill’s remarks have amplified issues among the many cricketing fraternity, particularly given the Dukes ball’s fame for retaining form and providing extended seam and swing motion.
Former England pacer Stuart Broad had additionally voiced disappointment over the ball’s decline in high quality. Identified for his success with the Dukes ball all through his illustrious profession, Broad emphasised the necessity for swift motion to protect the stability between bat and ball.
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Dukes assures thorough investigation
Dilip Jajodia, proprietor of British Cricket Balls Ltd, acknowledged the complaints and warranted a complete examination of the product. Talking to BBC Sport, Jajodia mentioned the overview would cowl each facet of the manufacturing course of — from the leather-based to tanning strategies and different supplies used.
“We’ll take it away, examine after which begin speaking to the tanner, speaking about the entire uncooked supplies — the whole lot. Every part we do shall be reviewed, after which if we expect some adjustments must be made or tightened up, we are going to,” mentioned Jajodia.
The difficulty has reignited discussions in regards to the alternative of balls utilized in completely different Take a look at-playing nations. Whereas India makes use of the SG ball and Australia prefers the Kookaburra, England historically opts for the Dukes, particularly for its potential to help bowlers in residence situations.
This collection, nonetheless, has seen an uncommon pattern the place the ball hasn’t swung or seamed for lengthy, leaving specialists to query whether or not the drop in high quality is a producing error or a part of a broader technique to make situations extra batting-friendly.
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