The Indian cricket skipper Virat Kohli wants Duke balls to be used in Test cricket everywhere. Kohli believes it will keep bowlers in the game which is important for the sake of competition.
Kohli added that SG balls which are used in India aren't as good as Duke balls in quality. “The Dukes ball, I think, is the most suited ball for Test cricket. If there’s a situation I would vouch for that to be used all over the world because of the consistency of the ball and how the bowlers are in the game at any stage, even the spinners, because the seam is so hard and upright,” Kohli said on the eve of the second Test against the West Indies.
It is said that England introduced a new Duke ball which is heavier than the conventional Dukes used earlier. The Dukes ensured bowlers stay in the game even when the ball gets old.
Not only Kohli but offie R Ashwin had also opened up about the use of Kookaburra and Duke which is better than 'SG Test'. “Right now, I would say Kookaburra red ball is a lot better ball, Dukes is also right up there. Pretty disappointed with the current SG ball. It used to be top-notch, the seam used to stand up strong even after 70-80 overs. It’s not the same anymore,” Ashwin said after the first Test against West Indies.
Virat supported Ashwin and said, “I totally agree with him. To have a ball scuffed up in five overs is something that we haven’t seen before. The quality of the ball used to be quite high before and I don’t understand the reason why it has gone down.
“A Dukes ball is still good quality, Kookaburra is still good quality. Whatever limitations a Kookaburra might have (seam goes flat), the quality is never compromised."
Virat also said the hardness of the ball will benefit the pacers as it doesn't get soft too early. “The seamers as well are benefitted if the ball is hard, you can get that extra pace but if the ball goes so soft in 10-12 overs, then your effort comes down by 20 percent. I think the quality of the ball has to be maintained, there’s no doubt about that.
“Otherwise, you have too many dead sessions in a Test match, which you don’t want to see. You want to see exciting cricket and guys working hard for runs, being in the battle all day. I totally agree with Ash,” Kohli said.
