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"Always Moaning, Never Their Fault": Alastair Cook Taunts Bowlers For Ball Complaints

Akshita Patel

Alastair Cook takes dig at fast bowlers [Source: @wordsbyutkarsh/X.com]Alastair Cook takes dig at fast bowlers [Source: @wordsbyutkarsh/X.com]

The ongoing Test series between India and England has raised a surprising debate on the condition of the Dukes ball used in the matches. Several times during the series, bowlers have complained about the ball going out of shape, but Alastair Cook sees it as a tantrum from the bowlers.

During the third Test held at Lord’s, India seemed especially upset when the umpires denied their request to change the ball on Day 2. Captain Shubman Gill had a heated confrontation with the umpires for the same.

The umpires kept changing balls every 10-15 overs, while red balls are supposed to last for a maximum of 80 overs in a Test match.

Alastair Cook Unhappy With Bowlers' Complaint Over Dukes Balls

This has sparked a wider discussion in the cricket world about whether such ball changes are truly necessary or just an excuse for poor performance. Former England captain Alastair Cook weighed in on the issue with a humorous take. 

Speaking to BBC Sport, Cook said the bowlers have a tendency to complain over the condition of the ball rather than accept their own shortcomings with line and length. He joked that bowlers often blame the ball’s shape or the footmarks on the pitch instead of admitting a mistake.

“I just love how bowlers are always moaning. It’s like they bowl a bad ball and it’s never their fault. They've scrapped the footmark. If they bowl a bad ball, they look at the ball and blame the shape. I think a batsman would much rather hit some slightly harder ball. Nothing worse than playing a lovely cover drive like I used to and it going nowhere," Cook said.

Alastair Cook added that he wasn’t convinced an out-of-shape ball really makes such a big difference, especially for batters. In fact, he said batters prefer slightly harder balls because they travel better.

Dukes' Ball Maker Defends Product Amid Criticism

Dilip Jajodia, owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd., defended the Dukes ball after widespread complaints during the India-England Test series. Talking to Hindustan Times, he explained that variations in raw materials, hand-stitching, and changing pitch conditions impact the ball’s durability. 

"People often ask if the balls being made now are different from last year. No, we make the balls at a specification using the very best raw materials. I can assure you, we take this hugely seriously. When you look at any ball objectively, it's a small round object and it's been battered all day. To expect that to be perfectly in shape all day is an impossibility. We don't want to have our reputation tarnished because we're not making the product properly," Jajodia said.

Jajodia denied any change in manufacturing standards and insisted that no ball can remain perfect for 80 overs. He suggested reducing the replacement mark to 60 overs and stressed the company’s commitment to quality.