Ben Stokes Joins Rishabh Pant In Complaining About Dukes Ball
LONDON: As India and England gear up for the third Test at Lord’s today (3:30 PM IST), the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series has been rocked by a major controversy surrounding the quality of the Dukes ball. What began as criticism from Indian vice-captain and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has now drawn support from England captain Ben Stokes, turning the issue into a full-blown storm.
Pant: “Ball Losing Shape Mid-Test – A Serious Issue”
Speaking to reporters, Rishabh Pant made scathing remarks on the Dukes ball being used in the series, stating,
“I’ve never seen a red leather ball lose its shape like this in a Test. The ball becomes soft, its shape changes – this is a serious issue. It’s not in the interest of the game.”
He added that batsmen are being forced to constantly adjust due to unpredictable ball behavior. “Sometimes it feels soft, sometimes it just changes character altogether. How can that happen? This is a massive problem we’ve never faced before,” he said.
Stokes Joins In: Questions the Measuring Tools
Ben Stokes backed Pant’s claims and pointed fingers at the measuring equipment used by umpires.
“There is clearly a problem with the Dukes ball. It often goes soft or loses shape, especially when foreign teams tour here – but it affects every bowling side,” Stokes remarked.
“I even doubt whether the two rings used in the ball gauge are the original Dukes rings.”
Players Repeatedly Approaching Umpires
Throughout the series, players have frequently approached umpires about ball shape issues. Despite complaints of balls softening prematurely or seam becoming loose, umpires have reportedly dismissed most concerns. Both teams have shown visible frustration.
How the Ball is Measured
Umpires use a device called a gauge, which has two rings. If the ball passes cleanly through one and doesn’t pass the other, it’s deemed of acceptable shape. However, players claim that balls clearly out of shape were still allowed to be used, as umpires found no fault.
Pant Reprimanded Despite Valid Complaint
During the first Test at Leeds, Pant approached umpires with a deformed ball. When they ignored his concern, he angrily slammed the ball on the ground. For this, he was officially reprimanded and received a demerit point from match referee Richie Richardson – even though the complaint itself was later considered valid.
Half the Series Played With Flawed Balls
Shockingly, with the third Test beginning today, no solution has been found. Despite repeated issues, neither the umpires, match referee, nor series organizers have resolved the problem.
Kookaburra vs. Dukes
Pant and others also pointed out that in Australia, where the Kookaburra ball is used, such complaints are rare. Many now believe the Kookaburra offers more consistency.
Manufacturer Responds
Dilip Jagjodia, the Indian-origin manufacturer of Dukes balls, responded in an interview:
“Criticism happens with every brand – whether it’s Dukes, Kookaburra, or SG. Dukes gets soft, but if we made it any harder, bats would start breaking.”
Bottom line: With both teams publicly criticizing the ball and umpires appearing unresponsive, pressure is mounting on the series officials and the ECB to take immediate action. Whether the issue will impact the outcome of the series remains to be seen, but the integrity of Test cricket is clearly at stake.
Also Read: Dukes Ball Controversy in England: Rishabh Pant Points Out Major Fault