The India-England Test series has been witnessing a strange problem - the Dukes cricket balls, renowned for their long life, are getting out of shape and softening much earlier than anticipated. This is causing on-field problems with regular ball changes, infuriating players as well as spectators. A new ball is supposed to last for at least 80 overs before being changed. However, the ongoing series has witnessed the ball being changed just after 20-30 overs which raises a serious question on the making of these balls. Here's what Mohammed Siraj said about the Dukes Balls: Is this Dukes ball the most ineffective for bowlers❓🗣️ Siraj shares his thoughts, here👇#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/8Sh1NDi1st — Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) July 22, 2025 In an unexpected twist, the cause of the issue is not merely production - it is related to cattle rearing and leather procurement. In this article, we'll dive into the actual reasons behind why the Duke Balls are getting out of shape early than expected in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Also Read | Stuart Broad Slams Dukes Ball Manufacturers After Day 2 Controversy Angus Cattle and Their Role in Cricket Balls The owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd., which produces Dukes balls, Dilip Jajodia, said the problem begins at the raw material of leather used to produce such balls. The best leather is derived from a type of cattle known as Angus or Aberdeen Angus. They are largely brought up in Scotland and Ireland but grow on pastures, and it is the grass-covered grounds that cause them to produce tough, thick hides. While pointing out at the decline of the quality leather balls, Jajodia told Telegraph: “In the olden days, I could specify, I want Angus Heights - can’t do that any more." This high quality and premium leather is crucial since it maintains the hardness, shape, and durability of cricket balls even after prolonged usage. Nonetheless, obtaining Angus hides in huge quantity has become highly challenging owing to various factors, such as the increase in cross-breeding, a worldwide demand that is very high, and the shutting down of most slaughterhouses. Why Leather Supply Has Become a Challenge Due to the drop in slaughterhouses and stringent supply restrictions, tanneries no longer have the leverage of obtaining the same specific hides. Therefore, the leather available now might not always be of the same thickness and quality. The owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd. further added: “A lot of slaughterhouses have closed down. The tannery could insist that they got a certain breed of animal. These days, you’re lucky if you get what you’re asking for, a certain thickness of height. Those are day-to-day problems which we have to cope with." Dilip added: “We are grappling with raw materials which are slightly variable. No two cows are the same, so one must consider all these factors. Human beings are involved in making the product, and therefore, there might be some slight knock-on effects on the balls. Just empty your brain, picture that these balls are getting hit all day." Also Read | Alastair Cook Mocks Bowlers Over Dukes Ball Complaints Handcrafted, Not Machine-Made Unlike manufactured items such as steel or auto components, each Dukes cricket ball is individually handmade. As a result, there will always be minute differences from one ball to the next. Since the balls are constructed from natural materials, they can't be as uniform or long-lasting as machine-engineered products. Jajodia said: “It is a miracle they’re not changed after every two hours. We keep everything under review, but I am currently unable to make any significant changes at this time. If something is wrong, we must identify it and correct it the next time it occurs. It is not possible to create a product with natural materials that is as durable as an engineered product, such as steel. They would have a certain thickness of steel, cut into a specific shape by a machine. You can make two cars with the same specifications. Cricket balls are not engineered products; this is a craft product.” COVID-19 Impact on Tannery Labor Another issue has been a lack of trained workers in the leather business post-COVID-19. A lot of experienced workers quit during the crisis, and it is more difficult to produce quality consistently. Jajodia stated that they may even have to recall some retired workers to guarantee quality is maintained. Citing the difficulties post COVID-19, Jajodia said: "Since Covid, there was a big disruption to production. Some of these boys working in the industry have a lot on their minds. And I keep asking, ‘Has it all been passed on?’ It may be, if there is a problem with the leather, we have to get the old boys back to look at it, out of retirement." Also Read | Alec Stewart Reveals Sai Sudharsan Took Dukes Balls Home to Practice What's Next for Dukes Balls? While players and supporters have complained about having to change the ball too often, Dilip Jajodia promised that the company is looking into it. He said: "We keep everything under review, but I can’t change anything dramatically. If something is wrong, we have to identify it and get it right the next time." For the time being, cricket has to endure these issues as the Dukes ball manufacturers try to get round the problem without sacrificing the artistry that has characterized their product over the years.