![ECB to stop using Kookaburra balls [Source: @Cricsam01/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1762588358688_ecb.jpg?type=hq)
ECB to stop using Kookaburra balls [Source: @Cricsam01/x]
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to end the use of Kookaburra balls in County Championship matches from next year onwards. The English board made the decision after receiving complaints from several county directors and committee members.
The Kookaburra balls were first introduced in County Championship three seasons ago in a bid to help local English cricketers enhance their skills for playing in overseas conditions like Australia and South Africa. However, the program was deemed unsuccessful in light of some high-scoring County Championship matches, particularly the one where Surrey amassed 820-9d in 161.3 overs against Durham bowlers a few months ago at The Oval.
Kookaburra experiment ends in a fizzle in County
The Kookaburra balls were first put to use by the ECB in County Championship matches back during its 2023 edition. The ball was applied to use in two rounds of matches of the 2023 season, and the usage was increased to four rounds of matches for each of the subsequent two editions in 2024 and 2025.
However, as reported by Cricbuzz, the directors from each of the 18 English counties have now expressed their desire to discontinue the experiment, as per the discussions held in October last month.
The County Championship 2026 season next year will now be played in its entirety with traditional hand-stitched Dukes ball.
The return of the Dukes ball is expected to restore balance between bat and ball in England’s domestic circuit, bringing back the traditional swing and seam movement associated with their conditions. The move is not only expected to revive competitiveness in County Championship matches, but it will also better prepare local bowlers and batters in preparing for Test cricket on home soil.
.jpg?type=mq "Glenn Maxwell's swap from PBKS to RCB")
