Making ball swing will be no problem, says Dukes boss

THE owner of ball manufacturer Dukes says bowlers should have “no problem” producing swing in England this summer, despite the imminent ban on using saliva.

After recommendations from the International Cricket Council’s medical advisory committee it seems certain a temporary restriction will be placed on players spitting or licking their fingers to shine up the ball when the sport resumes.

Australia seamer Mitchell Starc has warned children may not want to become bowlers if a lack of movement through the air made life for batsmen too easy, but Chris Woakes suggested last week the swing-friendly Dukes used by the England and Wales Cricket Board could be a saving grace.

Now Dilip Jajodia, owner of the manufacturer, has offered his reassurance. He said: “Woakes is absolutely correct, I don’t see swing being a big problem in England. You have to have a balance between bat and ball otherwise the game is boring, we know that. But it’s not just the shiny surface or the rough side that causes swing, it’s the integrity of the ball.

“You don’t have to worry because with a ball constructed like ours you’ve got a good shape, a strong seam that acts as a rudder through the air and, because it is handstitched, it stays harder for longer. They are not banning the use of sweat so you run your hand over your forehead and, with the nature of the leather, a rigorous polish should get grease moving enough to give a good shine.”