India and England players have raised concerns over the quality of the Dukes ball being used in the ongoing Test series. The second match at Edgbaston saw the red cheery going out of shape far too soon, prompting visuals of players from both sides asking the umpire to change the ball.

On Day 2 of the ongoing third Test at Lord’s, Indian captain Shubman Gill was seen arguing with the umpires over the poor quality of the changed ball.

Amidst the outrage, the Dukes ball owner Dilip Jajodia wants the “superstars of the game” to show more patience and be more reasonable in their approach towards the controversial subject.

Speaking on the sidelines of the third Test, Jajodia said his company with history dating back to the 18th century is open to making improvements on the ball, keeping in mind the unusually hot weather in the UK and demands of the modern game where batters are pounding the ball with rather heavy willows.

The Dukes was changed twice in the morning session on Day 3 at Lord's. After getting a 10-over ball changed, the Indian players remained extremely unhappy leading to another change in a matter of minutes.

“There are only three recognized manufacturers in world cricket (Dukes, SG and Kookaburra). It's not easy (making a cricket ball). And if it was easy, there'd be hundreds and hundreds of manufacturers around the world.

“So I think the players need to realize that we are not sitting back doing nothing. We're trying our best. And if there's an issue, it will be reviewed and we look at it and see where the problem is, whether it is a fault with the leather or there's a fault with something else. We will look into it. I'm not sitting around with my feet up smoking a cigar," Jajodia said, as quoted by PTI.

“The players can criticise my cricket ball. Can I criticise them for the bad shot or the bad ball? Long hop. You know what I mean? You've got to be sensible.”

Ahead of the third Test, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant slammed the quality of the Dukes ball being used in the series. Former England pacer Stuart Broad too has spoken against the fast deteriorating ball.

“The superstars can argue. They're the paymasters. I have to produce what they want. That's all I can say to that. It's very easy (to criticise).

“And people should be careful that when they make this criticism, it's not just criticising me or my ball. There are a lot of people behind me. Jobs are at stake. So we have to be careful. Always be careful, be generous,” cautioned Jajodia.

Jajodia highlighted a number of factors that may have contributed to the ball getting soft and out of shape rather quickly.

“Weather is quite a major factor, playing conditions, the type of cricket being played, the type of bats being used, the strength of the players. You have to accept that there are changes.

“The bats are very powerful. The ball is hitting outside the boundary hard objects from time to time. And when you look at a ball, it's a miracle that it lasts 80 overs.

“And if these changes need adaptation, then that is something that the authorities have to consider."

When asked if Jajodia has spoken to the ECB on this subject, the Dukes ball owner replied in negative. “No, there is no gut reaction and knee jerk reaction. We're in the middle of a Test series. With the greatest respect, there have been two results in the last game where India won the match.

“Captain Gill scored more runs than any other Indian has. Two bowlers got six wickets. So all I can say is, I'm sorry about the inconvenience, but at least you're playing cricket,” he stated.

(With PTI Inputs)