Waqar Younis asks ICC to standardise balls for Test cricket

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Pakistan fast bowling legend Waqar Younis believes that the International Cricket Council should nominate a single ball manufacturer to supply all Test matches.

As things stand there are three balls in use in Test cricket with the Dukes ball used in England and the Caribbean, India using the SG and the rest of the world opting for the Australian-made Kookaburra. Australia recently abandoned their experiment of using the Dukes ball for certain domestic matches.

Younis asks ICC to pick a ball, any ball

Younis says that the ICC should consider using only one brand of ball in Test cricket as fast bowlers find it difficult to adjust while playing in different conditions across the world.

“I have been a big advocate of the Dukes ball for many years but I feel that only one brand of ball should be used around the world for Test cricket,” Younis wrote in a column for the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“It doesn’t matter which brand but the ICC should make that decision. It’s hard for bowlers to adjust to using different types of ball when they play around the world.”

The Dukes ball is a favourite among seamers, prized for its movement through the air.

No saliva, no problem

Younis feels that the ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball during the recent series in England has not had as great an effect as some may have feared.

“One of the challenges that both teams faced in the recent Test series was the ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball,” Younis went on to add. 

“I don’t think it was actually a major issue given the weather (in England).

“The pitches themselves were very dry but there was always moisture in the air and the outfields were lush so keeping the ball in good condition was not a problem. In other parts of the world, it is always more challenging to keep the ball in good condition.”

Pakistan need experience

Younis served as Pakistan’s bowling coach for the recent tour and while he expressed excitement at the talent coming through he said the team desperately needs experienced bowlers.

“Fast bowling is the trademark of Pakistan cricket. There have been so many great ones over the years and I am confident that the future will be bright again, with a number of bowlers able to register 150 clicks on the speed gun,” he said.

“We are fortunate to have some really talented young fast bowlers, but unfortunately, we don’t have so many experienced ones to lead them out in the middle. It will take some time before we are back on the right track.

“Every country has a little dip at times in terms of player development and you have to go through those periods before someone emerges to become a great of the game.”

Waqar Younis

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