The ongoing India-England Test series has been overshadowed by growing controversy over the Dukes ball, which players from both sides claim is losing shape and softening far too quickly—leading to multiple mid-innings replacements and on-field disruptions.
Dilip Jajodia, owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd., which manufactures the Dukes, has acknowledged the criticism and promised a thorough review. “We will take it away, inspect everything — from materials to manufacturing — and talk to our tanner. Everything will be reviewed,” he told BBC Sport. However, he warned that making the core harder to improve durability could backfire: “That would break bats and fingers.”
The ball, traditionally lauded for its seam movement and durability, has now been replaced repeatedly during each of the three Tests. In some cases, changes were made as early as 10 overs into an innings — well before the standard 80-over threshold for a new ball in Tests.
India captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant have both expressed frustration over the ball’s rapid deformation, while England’s Joe Root suggested limiting ball-check appeals per innings. “Each team should get three challenges every 80 overs. It’s time we stop slowing the game down over this,” he said.
Former England stars also chimed in. Stuart Broad wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Dukes have a problem. A ball should last 80 overs, not 10. This is unacceptable.”
The controversy intensified during the third Test at Lord’s, where India again protested a ball that failed the ring test within 10 overs. Gill was visibly upset during a discussion with umpires, and play was delayed as a replacement ball was selected — again drawing criticism from commentators like Ian Ward over procedural inefficiencies.
Jajodia attributed some of the issues to natural variability in raw materials. He also recalled a pandemic-era batch in 2022 that had quality concerns due to faulty leather treatment.
With two Tests remaining in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, including the fourth starting July 23 in Manchester, both teams and officials are hoping for consistency — and a ball that finally holds shape.
