With the Dukes ball copping criticism for not lasting for the designated 80 overs during the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the owner of the ball manufacturing factory in England, Dilip Jajodia, cites rapid change in the weather in the UK, the power of modern-day bats and lesser grass on the pitches as possible reasons of the ball losing shape sooner than expected. The new Dukes was changed after 64 deliveries on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test, while the replacement lasted 48 deliveries.
“Nothing is wrong because we make the ball to a standard. It’s made with natural, raw materials like leather, cork and rubber. Huge amount of technical ability goes into making it,” Jajodia said. “Now, what we don’t take into account is very hot weather conditions, the power of bats and all sorts of things. The problem is we have a long lead time to make the product.”
He explained why it is difficult to change the process of manufacturing. “You can’t suddenly say, ‘oh, these are not working, so we’ll try this.’ We can’t do it. If it was easy, why would I need this hassle? We do our best and if it happens, I would suggest that there’s over-exaggeration of the problem.”
During the ongoing series, several players have pointed out that the Dukes ball hasn’t swung like it used to a few years back, while also stating that the balls losing shape is frustrating for the fielding team.
Former England pacer Stuart Broad, on Friday, tweeted, “The cricket ball should be like a fine wicketkeeper. Barely noticed. We are having to talk about the ball too much because it is such an issue & being changed virtually every innings. Unacceptable. Feels like it’s been 5 years now. Dukes have a problem. They need to fix it. A ball should last 80 overs. Not 10.”
Jajodia has an answer for that. “Ask him how many wickets he got with the Dukes ball. I rest my case.” He doesn’t stop there. “Players cry babies? Well, I mean, if I say that, all these guys would say, ‘oh, he’s being aggressive against us’. I’m not saying that,” Jajodia said.
“I think that people have opinions, they’re entitled to it, but they have to understand this is not an easy product, otherwise everybody would do it. There are only three recognised manufacturers in world cricket, Kookaburra, SG, and us. It’s not easy. I think they need to realise that we are not sitting back doing nothing. We’re trying our best. And if there’s an issue, we will see where the problem is.”
The UK has been hotter than usual the last few years. However, not only in the UK but during the West Indies versus Australia Test series, Josh Hazlewood raised his voice against the Dukes, complaining that he had never bowled with a softer 70-over-old ball.
“Weather is a major factor, playing conditions, the type of cricket being played, the type of bats being used, the strength of the players,” Jajodia said. “If you’ve got two hours, I’ll go through a whole list with you. You have to accept that there are changes. If these changes need adaptation, then that is something that the authorities have to consider. You can’t just do these things because I think so. This has to be analysed and it has to be done properly.”
Should there be a different ball gauge for the Dukes ball or should the ICC consider changing laws just for the Dukes?
“The laws of the game should not be tampered with. The laws are the laws. I am one of the strongest advocates of the law. Do not tamper with the law. You must enforce the law. If there’s a problem, it’s up to me or any other manufacturer to sort out their problem. It’s as simple as that.”
Will the Dukes, after this series, be open to review?
“Of course. But we can’t change it dramatically. You see, there is a fault with the leather. There’s a fault with something else. We look into it. But we are dealing with people who’ve been in the industry for many, many years. We are responsible. I’ve been in the industry for over 50 years. So I’m not sitting with my feet up smoking a cigar. I’m doing my best to make the best product. And if it happens, it happens. We just got to deal with it,” Jajodia said.
“Jobs are at stake. So we have to be careful. The skills that these people employ are long term, not a short term what happened today. So that is my philosophy. Always be careful. Be generous. Be forgiving, because sometimes, it might actually work in your advantage.”
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