SG OR DUKES?

Azharuddin surprised by SG ball complaints

by K Shriniwas Rao • Last updated on

Both Kohli and Umesh have had their reservations against the SG ball. © AFP

Barely three days after India pacer Umesh Yadav went on record saying he was 'upset' with the Sanspareils Greenlands (SG) ball being used across the country for Test and First Class circuit, the Nagpur cricketer finished with a remarkable 10-wicket haul in the second Test against the West Indies at Hyderabad.

This, after Kuldeep Yadav had picked six wickets in the first Test at Rajkot, and then gone on to criticise the ball that's been in use in the country for close to 25 years now.

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin says he can't understand what this hue and cry is all about. Not just the two Yadavs, but skipper Virat Kohli and leading spinner R Ashwin too have been vocal about the need to introduce the Dukes ball (manufactured in England) in the country.

"I remember the years - since 1984-85 - when the Dukes balls were used and how the seam used to go rough. It was clear that in Indian conditions they wouldn't work. It was in 1993 when the SG was first introduced and India went on to dominate all cricket they played at home. Look at the overall country-wise average of bowlers bowling with different balls in different conditions. That will give you the answer. So, what's the fuss about?" Azharuddin asks.

In fact, if combined statistics of the Ranji Trophy in India, the County circuit in England and Sheffield Shield in Australia - for the 2017-18 season - are considered, there have been a total of 58 five-wicket hauls in the Indian domestic circuit at a healthy average of 23.45 as compared to 52 in the English county at an average of 23.69 and a paltry 25 in the Shield at an average of 27.50 (top 30 bowlers from each country). "I really can't understand what their (Team India) grouse is. Statistics say everything.

"When our spinners go to Australia, they find it tough to even grip the Kookaburra. In England, look at how Ashwin delivered and how Moeen Ali did (with the Dukes).

"If you've taken six wickets (Kuldeep Yadav's haul in the Rajkot Test), then how can you complain about the ball? Even in pace bowling, Yadav picked a 10 wicket haul, no? So, where's the complaint?" says Azhar.

The former India skipper says this is the first time he's hearing of any player from the sub-continent having an issue with the ball being used and adds that he doesn't believe in the concept of 'global uniformity' for cricket balls.

"You've got to use what suits your conditions best. That's also the challenge in Test cricket. I can't go to England and say we'll play with SG. They'll have the Dukes ball. Similarly, if England are coming here, there is a different set of challenge they are going to face," he adds.

In Azhar's view, bowlers complaining about the ball after picking five and 10-wicket hauls 'is like a batsman complaining about the pitch after scoring a hundred'. "If there is a problem with the ball, go to the manufacturer and tell them what's required to be done. I heard that there were some complaints about how the seam is not up enough and all. Whatever the case, just call them and let them know.

"If I had a problem with my bat during the playing days, I would go to the maker and tell him what problem I was facing and ask the makers to work on it, do something about it," he says.

© TNN

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