Explainer: How Dukes, SG and Kookaburra shape the game of cricket

Cricket balls, though similar in basic appearance, vary significantly in make, behaviour, and impact based on the brand and conditions in which they are used. The three most widely recognized types used in international cricket are:

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• Dukes (England & West Indies)
• SG (Sanspareils Greenlands) (India)
• Kookaburra (Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, others)

Common features of all balls

Historical context & usage

1. Dukes Ball

• Origin: England (Since 1760; oldest brand)
• Manufacturer: British Cricket Balls Ltd.
• Used in: England and West Indies

History

• Crafted traditionally by hand
• Integral to the seaming-friendly conditions of England

Special characteristics

• Prominent hand-stitched seam, remains raised longer
• Swings throughout the innings, even with an old ball
• Facilitates reverse swing and movement off the pitch

Game impact

• Suits fast bowlers and swing bowlers
• Demands technical skill from batsmen
• Emphasises test match tactics and discipline

2. SG Ball (Sanspareils Greenlands)

• Origin: India (Since 1931)
• Manufacturer: SG, Meerut (India’s largest cricket gear maker)
• Used in: India (All home Test matches)

History

• Introduced as an alternative to imported Dukes in colonial India
• Gained preference post-independence

Special characteristics

• Hand-stitched and thicker seam
• Darker red, and retains shape and shine longer in dry subcontinental conditions
• Less swing but more spin due to the seam holding up

Game impact

• Aids spinners with grip and bounce
• Used extensively in dusty, dry conditions of Indian pitches
• Encourages attritional cricket and reverse swing later

3. Kookaburra ball

• Origin: Australia (1890)
• Manufacturer: Kookaburra Sport, Australia
• Used in: Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka (ODIs & most Tests)

History

• Machine-stitched; pioneered mass production
• Became ICC’s standard white ball for limited overs cricket

Special characteristics

• Machine-stitched, seam flattens faster
• Less pronounced seam, offers swing only for first 20 overs
• More suited to true bounce and fast pitches

Game impact

• Rewards line-length bowlers and batting stroke play
• Less conducive to reverse swing unless ball is roughed up
• Brings batting-friendly conditions in focus

Comparative table

Strategic importance in Test cricket

Ball selection heavily influences team composition, pitch preparation and game strategy

• SG leads to turning tracks and two-spinner strategies in India
• Dukes creates opportunities for seam-dominated attacks and makes batting challenging under cloudy conditions
• Kookaburra flattens out contests after initial movement, hence leading teams rely more on batting strength or pace-enforced reverse swing.

Relevance to sports policy and diplomacy

• Understanding of different cricketing tools and conditions is vital to interpreting India's performance abroad
• Choice of ball can impact bilateral series outcomes, influencing team selection, foreign tours and public discourse
• It affects sports equipment standardisation, export-import policies and Make in India efforts in sports goods manufacturing

Conclusion

While the cricket ball may appear uniform, it is in fact a strategic variable in the game’s outcome. Dukes, SG and Kookaburra reflect not just different playing conditions but also regional cricketing philosophies. Recognising these nuances deepens one’s understanding of the sport and its wider socio-cultural and policy implications.