Dukes ball manufacturer launches serious investigation after complaints in India vs England Tests

The Dukes ball manufacturer has announced a detailed review of the balls used in the first three Tests of the England-India series, following repeated complaints. Players and experts criticized the balls for losing shape and hardness too quickly, which limited their effectiveness for bowlers during long spells.

The Dukes balls have frequently lost their shape during the England-India Test series, leading to multiple replacements. In response, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will gather as many of the used balls as possible and send them back to the manufacturer for review by the end of the week.

Everything We Do Will Be Reviewed - Dilip Jajodia on Dukes Ball Concerns

Dilip Jajodia, owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd – the makers of Dukes – responded to concerns over the quality of balls used in the series. He stated that every aspect of production, including the leather, tanning process, and all raw materials, will be examined in thorough review processes.

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“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,” Jajodia told BBC Sport.

In Test cricket, the home team decides which brand of ball will be used. India prefers SG balls, Australia uses Kookaburra, and England goes with Dukes balls. However, the Dukes ball has come under scrutiny during the ongoing Test series between England and India.

Animal Skin Has Got Some Sort of Weakness - Dilip Jajodia

Dilip Jajodia said that only a detailed inspection can reveal whether a batch’s leather quality or construction tolerances have fallen outside acceptable limits. Dukes cricket balls are still crafted using time-honoured methods.

"One is the raw materials which are natural and then has to be moulded and put together by a human being," Jajodia said.

"Obviously the major aspect of a cricket ball is the leather that holds the whole thing together, and if the fibres that form the animal skin has got some sort of weakness or inherent problem that's something we can only find if it fails by further inspection and investigation," he added.

Dukes Ball Quality Concerns Peak After Third Test at Lord’s

Discussions over the declining quality of Dukes balls have grown in recent years, but the issue reached its peak during the third Test at Lord’s. Players and experts voiced concerns after several balls went soft unusually early, affecting both gameplay and momentum.

While some believe the balls may have been modified to promote higher-scoring matches, others argue it’s simply a case of inconsistent manufacturing. Regardless of the cause, the situation has stirred considerable attention and left many seeking clarity.

However, the series remains tightly contested, with all three matches so far producing results. It’s still uncertain whether any changes will be made for the upcoming fourth Test, but the conversation around the performance of the Dukes ball shows no signs of fading.

Also read: Big blow: India star officially ruled out of England tour