Explained: Why cricketers are slamming the Dukes ball in India-England Tests

Players are not with the Duke balls being used in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. (Photo: X and Reuters)

What would a high-profile matchup between two titans be without controversy? There has been a heated argument about the Dukes ball being used for the Test matches halfway through the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England.

Both Indian and England players have frequently requested that the on-field umpires replace the ball because they are saying that it is becoming softer and losing its form too soon. The ball was then subjected to a gauge test by the umpire. The players and the match officials argue briefly, and regardless of who has the last word, an unneeded delay is created that occasionally affects a team's momentum.

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Regarding Duke's Ball, how have the players vented their frustration?

Shubman Gill, India Test Captain: “It is very difficult for the bowlers. I think more than the wicket, maybe the ball is out of shape very quickly. It gets soft very quickly. I don’t know what it is, whether it is wickets or whatever. It is difficult for the bowlers. It is very difficult to get a wicket in such conditions, when there is nothing there."

Ben Stokes, England Test Captain: “Whenever we have touring teams visiting, there is an issue with the balls going soft and completely out of shape. I don’t even think the rings that we use are Dukes rings. It isn’t ideal. But you have to deal with it."

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Rishabh Pant, India Test Vice-Captain: “I feel it is a big problem because the ball is getting out of shape. In this series, the ball is getting de-shaped (out of shape) too much. That is something I’ve never seen. It is definitely irritating for the players because every ball plays differently. When it becomes softer, sometimes it doesn’t do too much, but as soon as you change the ball it starts to do something. As a batsman, you keep on adjusting to that, but at the same time, it is not good for cricket overall."

The Guage Test: What is it?

In order to determine whether the ball has gone out of shape, the on-field umpires carry a "ball gauge," which they replace if necessary. Two rings make comprise a gauge. To be considered suitable for play, the ball must go through one ring (maximum allowed diameter) and not the other (minimum acceptable diameter). The ball has to be changed if that isn't the case.

What is the response from the Dukes Ball manufacturer?

The Dukes ball's maker, Dilip Jagjodia, claims that because the game has evolved, the regulations must be adjusted.  He contends that because players are growing stronger, bats are becoming more powerful, and the ball is "clattering into pillars and benches all the time," the ball gradually becomes softer.

“Everyone is blaming the ball. When players get ducks, it’s the pitch. When bowlers don’t get wickets, it’s the ball. The ball is supposed to deteriorate; it’s not a rock. Maybe the game’s authorities should consider allowing the new ball to be taken somewhere between the 60th and 70th over," Jagjodia told The Mirror.