The ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series between England and India has been marred by controversy surrounding the quality and durability of the Dukes ball. Concerns have been raised by players from both teams, with complaints focusing on the ball losing its shape prematurely and not lasting the full 80 overs.
During the third Test at Lord's, the issue escalated when India repeatedly requested ball changes, leading to heated exchanges with the umpires. On the second day, India requested a change just 10 overs into their spell with the second new ball. Captain Shubman Gill and bowler Mohammed Siraj were particularly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the replacement ball, which they felt was not of comparable quality to the original. Gill was seen in a heated discussion with umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat, requesting a newer ball.
Adding fuel to the fire, former England captain Joe Root appeared to take a subtle dig at the Indian team, suggesting that they should focus on adapting to the conditions rather than constantly seeking ball changes. "The summer has been hot, the squares are harder. No two balls are the same. You've got to adapt and take it as a challenge, not keep asking for a change," Root stated. Following up on this sentiment after the day's play, Root proposed a solution where each team would be given three "challenges" per 80 overs to swap the ball. He believes this would prevent excessive delays and maintain the flow of the game. "I personally think that if you want to keep getting the ball changed, then each team gets three challenges every 80 overs and that's it, if you want to get it changed," Root said.
Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian captain, also weighed in on the controversy, expressing his displeasure with the quality of the replacement ball provided to India. While commentating, Gavaskar remarked that the ball appeared to be much older than its supposed 10 overs. Stuart Broad also criticized the Dukes ball, calling the situation "unacceptable" and stating that the ball should last 80 overs, not 10. Broad expressed his concerns over the ball's inability to last the full 80 overs. He highlighted the excessive chatter about the ball, suggesting it indicates a significant problem with the Dukes' quality.
The frequent ball changes have disrupted the game's rhythm and raised questions about the consistency of the Dukes ball. Dilip Jajodia, the Managing Director of Dukes, has urged players to be patient and has stated that the company is open to making improvements to the ball, considering the hot weather conditions and the demands of modern cricket. Jajodia also offered explanations such as powerful bats, an unusually dry summer, and the inevitable human element in hand-stitched manufacturing as possible factors.
The controversy has sparked debate among players, commentators, and fans, with many questioning the quality control of the Dukes ball and its suitability for the current playing conditions. The debate also resurfaced with India vice-captain, Rishabh Pant, who said he had never seen the ball go so out of shape. With prominent voices like Root and Gavaskar adding their perspectives, the Dukes ball issue is likely to remain a talking point throughout the remainder of the series.
