Dukes Ball Under Fire: Call for New Ball After 60 Overs in Test Cricket

In a move that could reshape the structure of Test cricket, the manufacturers of the Dukes ball have proposed a major rule change—suggesting that a new ball be made available after 60 overs instead of the existing 80. The call comes amidst growing criticism over the declining quality and performance of the Dukes ball during recent Test series.

The suggestion has stirred discussion among players, cricket boards, and experts, especially as it challenges a rule that has been part of Test match regulations for over four decades. With the integrity of red-ball cricket under scrutiny, this proposed change could become a pivotal moment in the evolution of the longest format of the game.

Why the Dukes Ball is Under Scrutiny

Traditionally known for its durability, seam integrity, and swing assistance, the Dukes cricket ball—primarily used in England and West Indies—has come under intense scrutiny over the past few months. During ongoing Test series in both hemispheres, players and analysts have voiced concerns about the ball losing shape and deteriorating significantly faster than expected.

Notably, several matches in the current English summer have witnessed early replacements of balls, with umpires forced to call for new ones well before the official 80-over mark. Bowlers have expressed frustration over the lack of seam movement and reverse swing—both key features of red-ball cricket.

Even batting units have complained that the unpredictability of ball behavior after 40–50 overs affects the rhythm of the game and undermines strategies built around ball-aging dynamics.

60-Overs New Ball Proposal: A Game Changer?

In response to the criticism, British Cricket Balls Ltd, the manufacturer of Dukes, has formally suggested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) consider a rule change allowing for a new ball after 60 overs in Test matches. The current rule, in place since the late 1970s, allows the fielding side to opt for a new ball after 80 overs.

The manufacturers argue that the modern game has evolved, with higher scoring rates, flatter pitches, and an overall increase in batting dominance. According to them, an earlier new ball would balance the contest and help bowlers maintain their edge through all sessions.

“We’re proud of the Dukes ball’s legacy, but we cannot ignore the feedback from international cricketers. A 60-over new ball option may bring back some much-needed balance to the game,” said a senior spokesperson for the company.

This proposal is now expected to be discussed at upcoming ICC meetings, especially as red-ball cricket continues to face challenges in terms of competitiveness and viewer engagement.

Experts and Players React

The suggestion has received mixed reactions from the cricketing community. While several bowlers, especially pacers, have welcomed the idea, purists believe that such a change could dilute the traditional charm of Test cricket.

Former England pacer Stuart Broad, a known proponent of maintaining bowler-friendly conditions, said earlier this month that deteriorating ball quality was hurting the format.

“If the ball stops swinging or seaming by the 30th over, it becomes batting practice. A 60-over rule might actually be necessary if manufacturers can’t guarantee consistency,” he noted during a recent broadcast.

On the other hand, critics argue that early access to a new ball may lead to reduced reverse swing, a skill that relies heavily on ball wear and tear. Reverse swing has long been a weapon for Asian and subcontinental bowlers, and this rule change could indirectly affect that balance.

Comparisons with Kookaburra and SG Balls

The Dukes ball is one of the three primary red balls used in Test cricket, along with the Kookaburra (used in Australia, South Africa, and others) and the SG ball (used in India). Each ball has unique characteristics and suits different conditions.

The Kookaburra ball is often criticized for losing shape quickly and offering little assistance to bowlers after the initial 20–30 overs. The SG ball, in contrast, is hand-stitched and known to retain its seam and shape better in Indian conditions.

What sets the Dukes apart—until recently—was its seam integrity and swing longevity. However, recent feedback suggests a decline in these qualities, leading to the current controversy.

Historical Context: When Was the 80-Over Rule Introduced?

The rule allowing teams to take a new ball after 80 overs was introduced by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in the late 1970s as part of a broader effort to formalize Test match playing conditions. Before that, there was considerable variation in when and how a new ball was permitted.

Over the years, this rule has become an integral part of Test match strategies, with captains and bowlers timing their second spells based on the new ball’s availability.

Changing the rule now would mark a significant deviation from traditional norms and may require rethinking team compositions, especially in terms of spin vs pace attack distribution.

What Happens Next?

With official feedback from Dukes now in the public domain, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely to place the matter on its agenda for the next Cricket Committee meeting. If consensus is reached among cricketing boards, a trial phase could be implemented in lesser bilateral series before being considered for marquee tournaments like the World Test Championship.

Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) may also consider experimenting with the 60-over new ball rule during domestic fixtures such as the County Championship to assess its real-world impact.

The call to allow a new ball after 60 overs in Test cricket stems from a very real issue—deteriorating ball quality. While the proposal from Dukes ball manufacturers has reignited the debate between tradition and modern demands, it also opens the door for cricketing authorities to rethink how they can preserve the essence of Test cricket while keeping it competitive and engaging.

If implemented, this rule change could significantly alter how teams approach sessions, manage bowling workloads, and set strategies across five days of play. Whether this becomes the new norm or not, it’s clear that Test cricket is at a critical crossroads, balancing legacy with innovation.