Have problem with SG balls, speak with manufacturer: Azharuddin slams Team India
Mumbai: Former cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin is unhappy with the Indian players preferring the Dukes balls over SG balls in Test matches, questioning the same.
The Sanspareils Greenlands (SG) balls were first used in 1993 in India when the former Hyderabad cricketer was the captain of the Indian team.
Recently, cricketers including captain Kohli and Umesh Yadav were of the opinion that Dukes balls should be used over SG balls.
“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?” the 55-year-old was quoted saying by the Times of India.
“I really can’t understand what their (Team India) grouse is. Statistics say everything,” he added.
After losing the Test series against England 1-4 in the United Kingdom, Virat Kohli’s men bounced back in style to beat West Indies 2-0 in a Test series which favoured the home team.
India are set to travel to Australia in November following the limited-overs series against the Caribbean side.
“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),” stated Azharuddin.
“If you’ve taken six wickets (Kuldeep’s haul in the Rajkot Test against West Indies), then how can you complain about the ball? Even in pace bowling, Yadav picked a 10 wicket haul, no? So, where’s the complaint?”, the cricketer questioned.
“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 added.
