New Delhi: The ongoing India vs England Test series has been marred by repeated issues with the Dukes cricket ball, prompting widespread frustration among players and calls for reform. The ball, once revered for its durability and ability to aid bowlers with consistent movement, has come under fire for going out of shape and losing hardness far too early in the innings.
Throughout the first three Tests, the ball has been changed multiple times, sometimes just 10 overs into an innings—far sooner than the standard 80-over mark for a new ball. This has caused significant interruptions and dissatisfaction among players on both sides.
Dilip Jajodia, the owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd, which manufactures the Dukes, acknowledged the growing criticism and vowed a comprehensive review of the ball’s materials and production process. “We will take it away, inspect everything, and then speak with the tanner about all the raw materials,” he said. “If we find something that needs to be changed or improved, we’ll address it.”
Jajodia explained the challenge of working with natural materials such as cowhide, cork, rubber, and wool, which can lead to variability in performance. He also recalled past issues, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when incorrectly treated leather led to a poor batch of balls being produced.
Despite the criticism, he cautioned against overcompensating by making the ball too hard. “I can put a rock in there and solve the problem, but it wouldn’t be cricket. It would break bats and fingers.”
The issue came to a head again during the third Test at Lord’s, where the ball was replaced just a couple of overs into the second day after failing the standard shape test. India captain Shubman Gill was visibly frustrated, seen in animated discussion with umpires even during the drinks break.
Later that same day, the ball was changed once again—just 48 deliveries after the previous replacement—prompting further criticism from commentators and players alike. Former England cricketer Ian Ward described the delay caused by the ball change after the drinks break as “ridiculous,” questioning why the decision wasn’t made earlier.
Former England pacer Stuart Broad also weighed in, calling the situation “unacceptable.” He noted that the ball is being changed almost every innings and added, “Dukes have a problem. They need to fix it. A ball should last 80 overs, not 10.”
Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant echoed similar concerns. “The ball is getting de-shaped too much, and that has never happened like this before,” he said. “It’s irritating for the players. When the ball becomes soft, it doesn’t do much. But as soon as it’s changed, it starts moving again. That inconsistency is not good for cricket.”
England batter Joe Root suggested implementing a challenge system, giving each team a limited number of reviews per 80 overs to request ball condition checks. “You can’t keep changing the ball and slowing down the game,” he said, proposing a fairer solution that balances accountability between players, umpires, and manufacturers.
Even England captain Ben Stokes weighed in, expressing skepticism over the tools being used to assess the ball’s shape, hinting at deeper inconsistencies in quality control.
As criticism mounts, all eyes are on the Dukes manufacturer to deliver a solution that restores trust in one of cricket’s most iconic elements. The review of raw materials and production is now underway, and the cricketing world waits to see if a more reliable and durable ball will emerge from the controversy.
