Dukes maker’s in upbeat mood

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 using the traditional method of spitting or licking their fingers to shine up the ball when the sport resumes.

Australia seamer Mitchell Starc has warned that 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 for pacemen on these shores.

Now Dilip Jajodia, owner of the manufacturer, has offered his reassurance.

“Woakes is absolutely correct, I don’t see swing being a big problem in England,” Jajodia told the PA news agency. “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 hand-stitched, 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.”

Australian manufacturers Kookaburra have developed a wax applicator in an attempt to offer a short-term boost to bowlers. The sporting shutdown comes at a dreadful time for what is a seasonal trade, but Jajodia is confident the business, dating from the 18th century can survive.