Dukes Balls to Be Inspected Ahead of 4th Test as Manufacturer Yields to Pressure
Following mounting complaints over the softness and shape loss of the Dukes ball during the India–England Test series, British Cricket Balls Ltd owner Dilip Jajodia has agreed to a full inspection of the balls used. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will collect match-used Dukes balls for analysis before the 4th Test at Old Trafford. This move follows criticism from players and former cricketers over ball quality degradation.
Background: Ball Complaints
During the 3rd Test at Lord’s, India captain Shubman Gill and others raised concerns about the ball softening and losing seam shape after just 30 overs, which hindered swing and seaming for bowlers—which led to frequent, game-disrupting replacements. Former pacer Stuart Broad also mocked its condition, calling it “rugby-like” :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Inspection Decision by Manufacturer
Under pressure, British Cricket Balls Ltd agreed to conduct a detailed review of production processes. Owner Dilip Jajodia confirmed that raw materials, leather tanning and stitching would all be evaluated—and corrective measures taken if needed :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
ECB’s Role & Ball Collection
The ECB has decided to collect all used Dukes balls from recent Tests and send them to the manufacturer by week’s end. This retrieval aims to understand whether balls consistently lost hardness or shape prematurely—information critical ahead of the 4th Test from July 23 at Manchester :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Impact & What’s Next
This decision could potentially change the dynamics of the series. With England leading 2–1, consistent ball behavior is vital. The manufacturer’s proactive response and ECB’s review may restore bowler confidence and reduce disruptions during play. Tests going forward will reveal whether the Dukes ball quality improves.
Summary Table
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Complaint Source | India players and ex-cricketers on ball softness & shape loss |
| Manufacturer | British Cricket Balls Ltd (Dilip Jajodia), founded 1760 |
| Inspection Steps | Review materials, tanning, stitching; implement improvements |
| ECB | Collect used balls from Tests for evaluation |
| Next Test | 4th Test at Old Trafford starts July 23 |
Disclaimer: This article is based on information compiled from online sources. Please verify independently before making any decisions based on it.
Thank you for visiting Cricket In Focus! Explore more in our Test, World, and India sections.
Discover more from Cricket In Focus
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
