“We may give consideration to using a Duke ball in Shield competition in the two seasons leading up to the next Ashes series in the UK”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Cricket Australia are likely to introduce English-made Duke balls to the Sheffield Shield in order to prepare their batsmen for the next Ashes series held in England.

The move comes after Australia failed to retain the Ashes as they were beaten by an innings and 78 runs in the fourth Test in Nottingham, which gave England an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series.

But, by using Duke balls in their first-class competition, the Baggy Greens are hoping to take England by surprise the next time they are in the country.

“It’s something that we’ve thought about and will be discussing with the High Performance Managers in each state,” Cricket Australia general manager Pat Howard said. “We may give consideration to using a Duke ball in Shield competition in the two seasons leading up to the next Ashes series in the UK.

“That could involve using a Kookaburra ball for the first half of the season and a Duke ball for remainder of the year.”

Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has already thrown his support behind the idea of introducing English-made balls in the Sheffield Shield, especially after he witnessed his side get bowled out for 60 from the sidelines during the first innings of the fourth Test.

“I wouldn’t be against it,” he said. “I think it certainly wouldn’t be detrimental to Australian cricket to use the Duke ball but that decision is probably out of my power and ill just play with whatever ball they give me.”