Dilip Jajodia, the owner of the Dukes, has issued another answer to complaints about the ball in the ongoing Test series between England and India. Dilip added that the entire procedure will be reviewed after receiving several complaints.
The Dukes ball has frequently become soft earlier than usual in the current Test matches. Players on both teams have expressed their dissatisfaction with the ball’s loss of shape throughout the games.
The players had to often ask the umpires to change the ball, which resulted in numerous unwelcome breaks during play, especially during the third Test at Lord’s. Shubman Gill, the captain of India, and Mohammed Siraj, a pacer, even argued with the umpires on the field to voice their disapproval.
In England, the Duke’s ball has been in use for a while. It has a reputation for helping fast bowlers with big swing.
Dilip Jajodia responded to the criticism by saying that the balls will be examined and that their actions will be evaluated. He went on to say that if required, they will make the required adjustments.
“We will take it away, inspect and then start talking to the tanner, talking about all of the raw materials – everything. Everything we do will be reviewed and then if we think some changes need to be made or tightened up, we will,” he told BBC Sport (via News18).
The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) plans to collect as many balls as possible from the first three Tests. After that, the company will receive these balls. Notably, Old Trafford in Manchester will host the fourth game on Wednesday, July 23.
Dilip Jajodia’s earlier statement regarding balls in the Test series was a complete contrast
This is not the first time Dilip Jajodia has spoken out about the Dukes balls used in England’s upcoming Test series against India. In his initial response to the criticism, he blamed the English weather, the new style of play, and the pitches.
“The balls are being hit harder, further, and therefore impacting things like pillars and seats and so on. All these have an impact on the ball. When you look at any ball objectively, it’s a small round object and it’s been battered all day. To expect that to be perfectly in shape all day is an impossibility. It can’t be done, nobody can do it.”
Dilip Jajodia
Jadojia further mentioned that a majority of Test cricket in England these days is played on hard and dry surfaces. In the past, even after 50 overs, the gold would stay on the ball when games were played on damp, green grounds.
It’s unclear if there will be any notable changes or advancements in the balls being used with two games left in the series. The series is now 2-1 in favor of Ben Stokes and company. India lost by a slim margin of 22 runs at Lord’s. They will be keen to recover and tie the score in Manchester.
