Donāt understand the fuss behind the use of SG balls in India, says Mohammad Azharuddin
Mohammad Azharuddin seemed surprised about the sudden criticism directed towards the SG ball that has been used in India in First Class cricket and international games for the last 25 years. The former Indian captain argued that the statistics speak for themselves as far as bowling was concerned.
India registered a commanding 2-0 series win against West Indies in the recently concluded series on home soil. While the batsmen were at their very best, considering that 18-year old Prithvi Shawās was theĀ man of the series, the bowling department had their fair share of contribution to the victory as well. Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav picked up six wickets in the first Test while fast-bowler Umesh Yadav starred for India with a 10-wicket haul in the second match at Hyderabad.
But despite the promising displays, a flock of Indian players, which also included skipper Virat Kohli, have been vocal in their criticismĀ of the SG ballĀ that has been used in India for the past 25 years.
"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?" Azharuddin said in an interview TOI.
If gone by numbersĀ and the Ranji Trophy statistics is taken into consideration, the County circuit in England and Sheffield Shield in Australia for the 2017-18 season, there have been a total of 58 five-wicket hauls on the Indian domestic circuit at a healthy average of 23.45. Whereas there have been 52 five-wicket hauls in the English county at an average of 23.69 and a paltry 25 wickets in the Shield at an average of 27.50.
"I really can't understand what their (Team India) grouse is. Statistics say everything. 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).
"If you've taken six wickets (Kuldeep Yadav's haul in the Rajkot Test), then how can you complain about the ball? Even in pace bowling, Yadav picked a 10-wicket haul, no? So, where's the complaint?" added Azhar.
Azharuddin also added that this was the first instance where he witnessed a sub-continent player criticizing the SG ball in the last decade or so.
"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
"If there is a problem with the ball, go to the manufacturer and tell them what's required to be done. I heard that there were some complaints about how the seam is not up enough and all. Whatever the case, just call them and let them know. If I had a problem with my bat during the playing days, I would go to the maker and tell him what problem I was facing and ask the makers to work on it, do something about it," he concluded.
