Kookaburra Ball Too Has its Issues - Sourav Ganguly Defends SG Balls

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly believes the Kookaburra ball also has its own issues. The Kookaburra ball is used by Cricket Australia and it can soften up after the first twenty overs. Thus, it could be a paradise for the batsmen as there is hardly any movement of the seam.

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Meanwhile, Indian skipper Virat Kohli had recently batted for the usage of Duke balls in every condition in Test cricket. India’s fast bowler Umesh Yadav also feels the same. Meanwhile, SG balls are used in India and these are conducive for the spinners. In fact, former South African skipper Graeme Smith had also spoken on the same in Dalmia Lecture recently.

Kohli wants Duke balls to be used.

“Sometimes there could be a case that one lot (that has come this year) is not good enough. I think they (SG) will fix it. And why only SG, as Graeme Smith said (at the Jagmohan Dalmiya Memorial Lecture), Kookaburra, too, is causing problems,” Ganguly told The Indian Express.

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Meanwhile, BCCI had used SG white ball in the previous domestic season. However, the ball could not live up to the expectations of captains and coaches as they complained regarding the same. On the other hand, SG red ball has continued to do a fine job and thus BCCI technical committee decided to retain it.

Although, Bengal cricket team member said SG ball quality has gone down in the recent past. “It has deteriorated significantly. No two ways about it. The ball is losing its shine fast. It’s getting soft after a few overs. It’s losing its shape. They need to get things right. It has to be like earlier it used to be,” he said.

Graeme Smith said Kookaburra is letting the people down as the ball is getting soft after 20 overs. Thus, it is leading to more drawn matches.

“The Kookaburra ball, in particular, is letting people down. It’s a ball that softens and does not swing for a long period of time. I think Test cricket cannot afford to have boring draws…”

When Sourav Ganguly was asked whether BCCI should consider replacing SG balls with Duke ball, Ganguly said he is not a ball expert.

“It’s difficult for me to answer, as I’m not an expert on the cricket ball.” 

It would be interesting to note whether BCCI or other boards will make the decision to play with Duke balls.

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