India have played 2 matches from the 5 -match Test series against England so far. In both these tests, the captains of both teams have often complained to the umpire about changing the ball. In this case, the DUX balls used in Test matches in England are being heavily criticized.
The Indian Express spoke to Dilip Jagjodia, the producer of the DUX ball. “This time there is more heat in England and the pitch is dry and flat,” he said. In this case the bowlers are facing difficulty in getting the wicket.
In the two Tests played so far, both teams have often asked the umpire to change the ball as the ball is softening very quickly. India may have taken 20 wickets in England in the Edgbaston Test, but captain Shubhman Gill also acknowledged that these are difficult situations for the bowlers.
Shubhman Gill's statement,
The ball softened very quickly, which makes it difficult to bowl and take wickets. The wicket does not help much and the ball loses shape very quickly.
Rishabh Pant, who was not changing the ball in the first Test, threw the ball in anger.
Learn about the question-and-answer DUX ball with Dilip Jagjodia
Question: Are the questions raised again on the DUX ball?
Answer: Dukes, SG and Kukabura ball are not criticized. The ball is made of natural materials, it cannot be 100% perfect. A new ball is given in each test, but it is not tested first. In today's age, batters have become stronger and the bats have become heavier, so the ball hit more.
Question: Does the ball soften quickly?
Answer: Each ball should run for 80 overs and accordingly it slowly softened. But today, players and viewers want quick results. If the wicket is not taken in 30 overs, the players immediately start asking for a new ball. Yet, the results have been the results, India also took 20 wickets and the match lasted five days, what could be more than that?
Question: Is it okay to criticize the ball?
Answer: Cricket is a changing game. This time there is heat, the peach is dry and covered, so it does not have moisture. In this case, making a run has also made it easier. If the match ends in two and a half, people say the bowlers are helping. If the result comes in 5 days, the ball starts to criticize.
Question: Is there a fixed process to make a DUX ball?
Answer: Yes, we make the ball according to the old British standards. I choose every ball myself. It is not made by a machine, it is a function of art, so each ball can be a bit different.
England captain Ben Stokes asks the umpire to replace the ball during the Birmingham Test.
Question: Is making a ball not like a machine?
Answer: No It has natural ingredients and is made by men. There may be some variations. Imagine, a single ball is hit from the bat all day, and though it lasts for 80 overs, this is a miracle itself.
Question: How do you maintain balance between soft and hard balls?
Answer: If we make a very hard ball, the bat will start to break. We have to keep in mind that according to the rules, the ball should be badly spoiled in 80 overs. If players say that the ball is not working in just 20 overs, that's not true. Yes, the ball can be changed if there is really a defect.
Image Credit: Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).