Dukes is England’s primary cricket ball supplier. However, there have recently been reports of poor quality Dukes balls. The balls are said to be more durable than Kookaburra or SG red balls. However, in the last two years, players in England have complained that the Dukes are losing shape and becoming softer faster. Instead of 50-60 overs, the balls begin to lose shape after 20-30 overs.
Last season, two of the greatest Test pacers of all time, James Anderson and Stuart Broad, both complained about the poor quality of the balls. However, things appear to have changed since Covid. Lockdowns in the UK reduced the quality of the balls. However, with the restrictions lifted, the quality control and materials needed for the ball are readily available.
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“They (the tannery that manufactures the leather for the balls) had problems getting the right chemicals, they had to use substitute chemicals. There is a sequence that takes place. You put the leather in a pit, it sits there for x number of days at x temperature. That was all disrupted. They did admit that everything hadn’t gone to plan because of the covid closedown,” Dilip Jajodia told The Telegraph.
However, the issues appear to have been resolved, and the Dukes are expected to be back to their best this English summer. As a result, when India takes on Australia at the Oval on June 7, Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj will let their abilities speak for themselves.