Dukes ball controversy: The “Dux Ball” has become the center of controversy in the ongoing Test series between India and England. Questions are being raised on the quality of the ball in three consecutive Test matches (Leeds, Edgbaston and now Lords). The ball was changed twice within 18 overs on the second day of the Lord’s Test, which increased the anger of the players.

After Indian players Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Jaspreet Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj, now former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has also questioned the quality of the Dux ball. Broad wrote on social media that there is a big defect in this ball. It is necessary to fix it.

Stuart Broad’s Right

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has openly expressed resentment over the declining quality of the Dux ball. He tweeted, “Cricket ball should be like a great wicketkeeper. He is hardly noticed. We are talking about it because it really has trouble. Looking at the new ball, it seems as if it has been 5 years. Dux is definitely a defect in the ball.

Company owner’s reply to criticism of Dux ball

Despite the victory of Team India in Edgbaston Test, captain Shubman Gill questioned the quality of the Dux ball. He had said that the ball is getting worse very quickly and has become quite soft. On this, Dux Ball owner Dilip Jajodia reacted, “If the ball is more hard, the bat can also break. We have to follow the rules of cricket while making the ball.”

Rules say that the ball should run for 80 overs. In such a situation, after 20 overs, you cannot say that the ball is not working according to you. “He also added that” If there is actually a mess in the ball, then there must be an option to improve it. “

Gill’s debate with the ball over the ball

On the second day of the Lord’s Test, there was a sharp debate between Shubman Gill and the umpire over the ball. Actually, when Team India took the second new ball, it deteriorated in just 10 overs. After this, the ball given by the umpires to Team India, Gill and the rest of the players looked more than 20 overs. Gill objected to the umpire about this. Indian players expressed displeasure over the quality of the ball and the decision of the umpires.

Dux ball history

The Identification of Test cricket in England is associated with the Dux ball. Dux balls have been used in Test matches in England for years. The current India-England Test series is also being played with the same ball. This historic ball was started by the Duke family in 1760.

Later in 1987, this business was acquired by British Cricket Balls Limited, owned by Indian origin businessman Dilip Jajodia. Even today, the Dux ball is made by hand in the traditional way, which is considered to be the most reliable for Test cricket.

Dux ball texture

The most important thing about Dux Ball is that it is made by stitching by hand. The stitching of the hand -packed ball is more emerged and stronger, which maintains the shape and hardness of the ball for a long time. It contains six rows stitching, which is back and forth on the cups connecting both parts of the ball.

England’s condition is also considered favorable for this ball. Dux ball swing more in the air due to clouds, moisture and grassy pitches. This movement remains intact even after eating tappa from the pitch.

Talking about weight, this ball is between 155 and 163 grams. At the same time, its price is said to be from ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 15,000.