The Indian captain, Shubman Gill, demanded the replacement of the ball for the fifth time in this Test match. The ball used in England is different from the ones that the English use. While Indians use the Sanspareils Greenlands (SG) balls, England plays with the Dukes ball. This ball is supposedly long-lasting but as seen during the frequent replacement of the Duke’s ball in this Test series, it has raised many eyebrows over the making of the ball. Cricket pundits and gurus have been asking about the frequent demand for the replacement of the ball.
🔄 The second new ball changed after 10.3 overs
🔄 Replacement ball changed after 8 overs
What's happening with the Dukes ball? The ball-maker Dilip Jajodia has hit back at critics and called for a review of the rules of the game.
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The Indian Maker
One reason for such high scores in England is also stated as the tendency to soften the ball too quickly. This has been a serious topic of discussion. Both the hosts and the visitors have raised questions regarding the quick wearing and tearing of the ball and the early shape dismantling. The Dukes ball is currently made by the British Cricket Ball Ltd. The owner of the company is Dilip Jajodia, who acquired the company in 1987 after relocating to England in 1962 with his family.
What Did Dilip Say?
“It is not like I wake up one morning and decide to make the balls differently. There is a standard process of manufacturing. But one must consider the variable factors as well. The beauty about cricket is that there are so many variables at play,” Jajodia told TOI.
“Even during the off season, the curators have these tent-like covers (the hovercraft covers) that don’t help in retaining moisture. This has made the surfaces inherently dry,” he added.
How Much Will 1 Ball Cost In India?
Duke’s red cricket balls are available in various kinds and prices based on the quality. The highest quality ball, named the Dukes County International, is a four-piece, hand-stitched ball played for county-level matches in England. It costs around ₹3,800 to ₹5,000 (or US$46 to $60) in the international market, but in India, it can reach up to ₹8,488 on e-commerce sites such as Ubuy. There are also more affordable Duke’s balls for schools and practice games. These are referred to as Match or School models and retail for about US$15 to $30 (approximately ₹1,200 to ₹2,500). Another option, the Dukes Heavy Weight ball, is designed for a longer lifespan and sells at about ₹6,540. These products can be purchased online through websites such as Best Cricket Store, All Rounder Cricket, Morrant, and Ubuy.
Also Read: WATCH VIDEO: Ravindra Jadeja And KL Rahul Tease Shubman Gill After Seeing Sara Tendulkar In London
