In Test cricket, which is the longest format of the game, different types of balls are used depending on the series and the playing conditions. The three main types of balls used in Test cricket are:
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- Kookaburra: The Kookaburra ball is commonly used in Test matches played in Australia and some other parts of the world. It is known for its pronounced seam and durability. The Kookaburra ball tends to swing more during the initial overs but tends to lose its shine and swing as the game progresses.
- Dukes: The Dukes ball is primarily used in Test matches played in England and the West Indies. It is hand-stitched and has a more prominent seam compared to the Kookaburra ball. The Dukes ball is known to swing more consistently throughout its lifespan, especially in the English conditions where the weather is conducive to swing bowling.
- SG: The SG (Sanspareils Greenlands) ball is predominantly used in Test matches played in India. It is manufactured in India and is designed to suit the playing conditions in the subcontinent. The SG ball has a slightly lower seam compared to the Kookaburra and Dukes balls and tends to deteriorate faster on abrasive pitches.
It’s worth noting that the choice of ball can vary depending on the host country’s cricket board, the series being played, and sometimes even the mutual agreement between the participating teams.