The India vs England Test series has faced problems with the Dukes balls becoming soft, but in a bizarre yet revealing twist, the mystery has been linked to bovine origins. According to Dilip Jajodia, the owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd., the issue may be related to a shortage of hide from a specific breed of cattle, known as the Angus, which is part of the renowned Aberdeen Angus group.

“In the olden days, I could specify, I want Angus Heights – can’t do that any more,” Jajodia told The Telegraph, pointing to the declining availability of premium-quality hides.

“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,” he says.

The quality of the leather is crucial for the ball’s quality and longevity, as it helps the sphere maintain its shape, hardness, and durability. The best leather comes from Angus Cattle, also known as Aberdeen Angus, which are fed on lush Scottish and Irish grass. However, due to cross-breeding and high export demand, procuring their hides in wholesale quantities has been challenging.

“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,” he explained.

“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,” he added.

Adding to his woes is the uncertainty surrounding tannery staff post-COVID. “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,” he noted.

As criticism mounts with frequent ball changes on the field, Jajodia is aware of the scrutiny but maintains, “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.”