Dukes ball debate intensifies ahead of Manchester Test as Jajodia promises review

The Manchester Test is all set to begin on 23 July 2025, and it will be a must-win clash for Team India, as a loss would seal the series for the home side, England. But ahead of that fourth Test, Dilip Jajodia, owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd—makers of the Dukes ball—has spoken up in a chat with BBC Sport.

Despite high-quality cricket being played, the shape and condition of the Dukes balls used in this series have made more headlines than the on-field action. In all three Tests so far, both teams and their captains (Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes) have expressed displeasure about the condition of the balls.

Even after winning the Edgbaston Test, Team India skipper Gill was not satisfied. During the post-match presentation, he said: “I think more than the wicket, maybe the ball is out of shape very quickly. It gets soft very quickly. I don’t know what it is, whether it is wickets or whatever. It is difficult for the bowlers. It is very difficult to get a wicket in such conditions, when there is nothing there.”

In response, in an exclusive chat with Express Indies, Jajodia defended the product, saying:
“You can’t suddenly come after 20 overs and say, this ball is not doing what I want or what it does. If there is something genuinely wrong, then it has the option to change it.”

Now, while speaking to BBC Sport, he has confirmed that a thorough inspection and review of all materials will take place. “We will take it away, inspect and then start talking to the tanner, talking about all of the raw materials – everything. Everything we do will be reviewed and then if we think some changes need to be made or tightened up, we will.”

Dukes balls are not only used in England but also in other countries like the West Indies. However, during the recent three-match Test series between the West Indies and Australia, no major complaints were raised. Still, given how prominent the issue has become in the ongoing England vs India series, a full review seems timely and necessary.

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