Dukes Ball Controversy IND vs ENG: Manufacturer Bows to Pressure, Agrees to Full Review Before 4th Test
The ongoing India vs England Test series has been as much about fierce cricketing contests as it has been about the Dukes ball controversy. Ahead of the crucial 4th Test at Manchester starting July 23, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to collect and return used Dukes balls to the manufacturer for thorough inspection. Dukes ball controversy IND vs ENG
What began as murmurs of dissatisfaction has escalated into a full-blown issue impacting play quality, prompting Dukes ball manufacturer Dilip Jajodia to publicly reverse his earlier stance and commit to a detailed evaluation of the production process. Dukes ball controversy IND vs ENG
🧨 What Triggered the Dukes Ball Controversy?
The issue came into sharp focus during the third Test at Lord’s, when India’s acting captain Shubman Gill was seen visibly frustrated over the condition of the second new ball. India had taken early wickets with the original ball through Jasprit Bumrah, but the replacement – required less than an hour into Day 2 – lacked the same bounce, seam, and hardness. Dukes ball controversy IND vs ENG
This wasn’t an isolated case. Throughout the series, there have been repeated ball changes—with complaints of the Dukes ball going soft or losing shape within 30 overs, leading to delayed play and impacting team strategies. Dukes ball controversy IND vs ENG
🗣️ Manufacturer Forced to Respond Under Pressure
Initially, Dukes ball owner Dilip Jajodia, who runs British Cricket Balls Ltd., downplayed the concerns, stating that making the ball harder could pose risks like “broken fingers” for fielders. But following widespread media coverage and criticism from prominent voices like Stuart Broad, Jajodia made a U-turn.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: Dukes ball controversy IND vs ENG
“We will take it away, inspect and then start talking to the tanner, talking about all of the raw materials — everything… If we think some changes need to be made or tightened up, we will.”
This is a rare public admission from a manufacturer whose balls have been part of England’s Test cricket since 1760. Dukes ball controversy IND vs ENG
🔍 What Will Be Reviewed?
According to Jajodia, the following aspects are under review:
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Raw materials used in manufacturing
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Leather tanning processes
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Seam stitching and finishing
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Durability and shape retention
The ECB is reportedly sending back all used Dukes balls from the current series to aid in the investigation. This includes balls from both Test and County matches, where similar complaints have emerged in 2025.
🧾 Historical Context: Why the Dukes Ball Matters
The Dukes ball has long been considered a bowler-friendly red ball used in England due to its prominent seam and hand-stitched design. Its performance has often been contrasted with:
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SG balls used in India – known for their longevity and spongy bounce
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Kookaburra balls used in Australia and other parts – machine-stitched and often lose swing after 20-25 overs Dukes ball controversy IND vs ENG
Over the last decade, fast bowlers and spinners alike have voiced concerns over a noticeable drop in Dukes ball quality. However, the 2025 series has brought the issue to a boiling point.
🔥 Players and Experts React
🧤 Shubman Gill
During the Lord’s Test, Gill was seen confronting the umpires and match referee over the quality of the second new ball. His frustration was echoed by teammates in the dressing room. Dukes ball controversy IND vs ENG
🗣️ Stuart Broad
Long retired but still influential, Broad stated:
“The Dukes ball I used to know is gone. These balls behave unpredictably and go soft way too early.”
🧠 Coaches and Analysts
Analysts have pointed out that the unpredictable ball condition has skewed decision-making, affecting when captains opt for the new ball and even influencing DRS decisions due to variable seam movement.
🏏 Impact on India vs England 2025 Series
As it stands, England lead the series 2-1, having secured wins in London and Leeds. India’s lone win came at Edgbaston. With two Tests remaining, both sides are looking to gain momentum—and equipment reliability could prove decisive. Dukes ball controversy IND vs ENG
The 4th Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, promises high-stakes cricket, and the ECB is under pressure to ensure the Dukes ball does not become the match’s talking point again. Dukes ball controversy IND vs ENG
🧪 What’s Next for the Dukes Ball?
The inspection by British Cricket Balls Ltd. may result in:
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Adjusted tanning or seam protocols
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Tighter quality checks before delivery
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Potential switch in suppliers or materials
If significant inconsistencies are found, the ECB may also reconsider its exclusive use of Dukes balls or demand interim fixes before the next Test season. Dukes ball controversy IND vs ENG
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Dukes ball controversy IND vs ENG is no longer a footnote—it’s a central theme of the 2025 Test series. For fans, players, and stakeholders, it’s a reminder that equipment quality can alter the rhythm of elite-level cricket. As the spotlight now shifts to Manchester, all eyes will not just be on the scoreboard, but also on the condition of the red ball in play.
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