Overview

• British Cricket Balls Ltd has launched an in-depth examination of every stage of Dukes ball production to identify why balls have been softening prematurely
• England and Wales Cricket Board officials are gathering used balls from the first three Tests for laboratory analysis before the July 23 Test at Manchester
• Owner Dilip Jajodia pledged to inspect leather quality, tanning methods and all raw materials and to tighten standards if necessary
• Frequent on-field replacements after roughly 30 overs spurred the joint initiative to safeguard the ball’s traditional seam and swing attributes
• Findings from this review will determine adjustments aimed at restoring consistent hardness and ensuring fair competition in English Test conditions