WI star pulls out of India tour, Former captain slams Indian team, and more - Cricket News Today, 17 October 2018

#3 Mohammed Azharuddin slams SG ball complaints

Over the past year or so, a lot of complaints have been raised by the Indian team management regarding the use of SG balls in Test cricket.

According to reports, a lot of players, including Virat Kohli, want Duke balls to replace the SG balls in the longest format of the game.

However, former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin rubbished these complaints, saying that the Duke or Kookaburra balls would not work in Indian conditions and the bowlers will not be too successful using them.

"I remember the years – since 1984-85 – when the Dukes balls were used and how the seam would 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 at home. Look at the overall country-wide average for bowlers bowling with different balls in different conditions. That will give you the answer.

So, what's this fuss about? 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. I really can't understand what their (Team India) grouse is," Azharuddin told the Times of India.