The Duke’s Ball: England’s Trusted Weapon In Test Matches

Rajgeeta Yadav

Dukes Ball [Source: @TheCricketerMag and @@ZyiteGadgets/X.com]Dukes Ball [Source: @TheCricketerMag and @@ZyiteGadgets/X.com]

If you’ve been following the current Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test series between England and India, you might have heard some debate about the cricket ball being used, the Duke’s ball. India’s captain, Shubman Gill, recently criticised it for getting soft too quickly, which, according to him, makes it harder for the ball to challenge the batters fairly. This sparked quite a conversation because the cricket ball is a crucial part of the game.

So, why does England use the Duke’s ball in their Test matches? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is The Duke’s Ball?

The Duke’s ball is a special cricket ball made in England. It’s famous for having a very pronounced seam (the raised stitching on the ball) and for swinging, which means it moves unpredictably through the air when bowled. This swing can make it tricky for batters to predict where the ball will go.

The Duke’s ball is darker in colour compared to other balls like the Kookaburra (used in Australia) or the SG ball (used in India). It’s also handmade, which means it’s crafted carefully with attention to detail, making it very durable and able to maintain its shape longer during a match.

Why Does England Prefer Duke’s Ball?

England’s weather and playing conditions are quite different from countries like India or Australia. The cooler temperatures (around 20-25°C even in summer), the moisture in the air, and the pitches in England all help the Duke’s ball swing a lot. This gives an advantage to English bowlers who are skilled at using swing to trouble batters.

Famous English bowlers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad have built successful careers by mastering how to use the Duke’s ball. It suits their style of bowling and the conditions perfectly.

The Duke’s ball has a long history, it has been made since 1760 in Tonbridge, England. It’s the oldest cricket ball still in use for international games. England and the West Indies are the only two teams that use the Duke’s ball across all forms of cricket.

What’s the Issue Now?

During the current India vs England Test series, players from both teams have complained that the Duke’s ball is getting soft too quickly, making it less effective as the game goes on. When the ball gets soft or loses its shape, it stops swinging and becomes easier for batters to hit.

India vice-captain Rishabh Pant mentioned that the ball losing its shape is frustrating. However, the manufacturer has defended the quality of the ball, saying it’s made to last.

Meanwhile, each country chooses the ball that best suits their playing conditions and traditions. England sticks with the Duke’s ball because it encourages a contest between bat and ball in their conditions, making Test cricket exciting for the players and fans.