The ongoing India-England Test series has gotten itself involved in a mounting controversy – not regarding decisions or strategies, but regarding the use of the Dukes cricket ball across the entire five-match series.
It started when Indian captain Shubman Gill expressed his ire after the Edgbaston Test, claiming that the ball was losing its shape and getting soft prematurely, which was making it more difficult for bowlers to pick up wickets.
“It’s difficult for the bowlers. More than the pitch, the ball is the problem. It’s losing its shape too early, getting soft too quickly. I don’t know if it’s the wickets or whatever, but it’s certainly making it difficult to take wickets in these conditions,” Gill had remarked following India’s second Test victory.
Now, before the third Test at Lord’s, vice-captain Rishabh Pant has fanned the flames. While addressing the pre-match press conference, Pant seconded Gill’s views, terming the state of the ball a “big problem.”
“Certainly, it’s an issue. The ball is constantly losing its shape. If you examine it closely, it’s no longer spherical – it’s in the shape of a ‘D.’ But not in the hands of players. This is the rule, and unless someone chooses to alter this, we must play with it,” Pant said.
Dukes Maker Justifies the Ball
The producer of the balls, Dilip Jagjodia, did not take the criticism lying down. In reaction to the comments, he came to the defense of the quality of Dukes balls and explained the natural variation involved in making them.
Addressing The Indian Express, Jagjodia stated, “Cricket balls – whether Dukes, SG, or Kookaburra – tend to be in the news. But we must not forget that these are hand-made items produced from natural raw materials. You just cannot assure that every ball will be the same or flawless. No manufacturer on the planet can assure that.”
He also cited contemporary bats and stronger players as a reason. “Bats have become very strong. Consider a player like Shubman Gill – he’s not a typical six-hitter, but he’s hitting sixes as if it was nothing. These balls are getting smashed into stands, benches, pillars – obviously, that’s going to impact the shape.”
“The Ball Is Meant to Soften Over Time”
On the matter of the ball becoming too soft too early, Jagjodia was adamant. “A Test ball is bound to soften over a period of time. That’s why there’s a rule for a new ball after 80 overs. But now, there’s not much patience. If the bowlers are not getting wickets by 30 or 40 overs, they want it replaced, in the hopes of something harder.”
He was also quick to highlight that, despite the complaints, the ball hasn’t prevented results from coming through.
“We’ve had proper contests in this series. High scores, all wickets taken, and five-day games. India bowled out England twice in the last match – the ball clearly isn’t failing in its purpose.”
With both team captains now speaking out and the manufacturer holding firm, the controversy surrounding the Dukes ball could continue to bubble on into the deciding middle phase of the series. Whether it inspires a change is yet to be seen but for the moment, at least, there are no doubts that the players are not entirely satisfied with what they are receiving.
Also Read: ENG Vs IND: Rishabh Pant Reveals Reason Behind His Self-Talk While Batting
