Kookaburra, Dukes and SG: The Three International Cricket Balls
Three different cricket balls are used in international cricket — Kookaburra, Dukes and SG — and each behaves differently. This guide explains the differences in construction, swing behaviour and the conditions each ball suits.
International cricket uses three different ball manufacturers depending on the region: Kookaburra (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and most other boards), Dukes (England, Ireland, West Indies Tests), and SG (Sanspareils Greenlands — India, Bangladesh). Each ball is handcrafted from leather using a different construction method, and each behaves differently in terms of swing, seam movement, durability and reverse swing. Understanding ball behaviour is fundamental to understanding bowling strategy at international level.
The Kookaburra Ball
The Kookaburra is a machine-stitched ball with a harder, shinier surface than the Dukes. It swings conventionally for approximately the first 20-25 overs, then the shine fades quickly — traditional swing becomes minimal. Between overs 35-50, the Kookaburra ball can reverse swing (the older, roughed-up side creates aerodynamic asymmetry). Kookaburra balls bounce truer and lower than Dukes balls, suiting Australian and Asian pitches. Pace bowlers dominate with the Kookaburra; spinners typically take over once it goes soft.
The Dukes Ball
The Dukes ball is hand-stitched with a prominent, raised seam that persists longer than the Kookaburra's seam. It swings conventionally for longer (up to 40+ overs in English conditions), and the raised seam enables late swing — movement in the last fraction of the delivery path. English swing bowlers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad built their careers around Dukes ball swing in English conditions: overcast skies, humidity and a seam-friendly pitch amplified what was already the most swing-friendly international ball.
The SG Ball
India's Sanspareils Greenlands (SG) ball is known for its rough, textured outer surface that produces exceptional reverse swing — even from 20-25 overs. Indian conditions (hot, dry, spinning pitches) mean conventional swing is less common, but the SG ball's roughness creates reverse swing opportunities earlier than either Kookaburra or Dukes. Jasprit Bumrah's mastery of reverse swing with the SG ball in Indian Test conditions has been one of the defining bowling performances of the 2020s.
Frequently asked questions
Can a team choose which ball to use in a Test match?
No. The ball manufacturer is determined by the host board's agreement with the ICC. When England hosts a Test, the Dukes ball is used. In Australia, the Kookaburra. In India, the SG. Neither team can substitute a different manufacturer's ball. Both teams use the same ball (replaced after 80 overs) throughout the match.
What happens to a cricket ball after a match?
Used Test match balls (Dukes, Kookaburra and SG) are highly valued by collectors and players. The specific ball used in historic moments — a hat-trick, a bowler's 500th wicket — can be auctioned for significant sums. After use, balls are typically kept by the bowling team or the governing board. In domestic cricket, match balls are often reused in training after the game.