Credit: Google
The producers of Dukes balls, British Cricket Balls Ltd, have given a remark in which they have confirmed that they will review the balls after getting complaints from players participating in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. The announcement has been made after widespread criticism regarding balls’ quality in the massive Test series. There have been issues among players that the balls are inept when it comes to retaining toughness while bowling lengthy spells. This circumstance is concerning as it is perturbing bowlers as their job is getting difficult. Team India’s captain Shubman Gill also expressed his discontent following the Edgbaston Test, emphasising on the fact that Dukes balls are getting soft which is favouring batters more.
Gill’s remark has been taken seriously by former cricketers and eminent analysts as balls aren't behaving in the conventional way in English conditions. Former England pacer Stuart Broad has supported Gill and demanded effective measures to keep the integrity of the game alive. Meanwhile, in an earlier incident in the series, Rishabh Pant got a demerit point for showing dissent at an umpire's decision in regards to the shape of the ball in the first Test.
Following these scenarios, Dilip Jajodia, British Cricket Balls Ltd, has spoken to BBC and said that his organisation will launch an investigation to remove the flaws related to the balls. “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,” said Jajodia.
Shubman Gill and his men expected to bounce back in Manchester
Amidst these scenes, Shubman Gill and his men will focus on extracting positive results in the fourth Test to be played at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground from July 23. The contest will be a do-or-die for the visitors as the defeat will crush their chances of winning a Test series in English conditions.
Gill, who flopped with his bat in the third Test, will look to regain his form and produce effective innings. Playing his maiden Test at the iconic Lord’s, he could rack up the figures of 16 and six only.
