Neither South Africa nor Australia uses this particular ball in home conditions, and it does take some getting used to. Both countries typically use the Kookaburra ball in both domestic and international matches.

The main difference between Kookaburra and Dukes cricket balls lies in their construction, swing characteristics, and how they behave in different conditions. Kookaburra balls are machine-stitched, mainly used outside of England, and are known for offering an easier grip for spinners.

Dukes balls, on the other hand, are hand-stitched and are preferred in English conditions due to the increased swing and seam movement they offer. The Proteas will get a feel for the Dukes ball during their warm-up match against Zimbabwe, which gets underway this Tuesday in Arundel.

Conrad believes there are upsides to using the Dukes ball and expects it to create a good contest between bat and ball.

“The Dukes ball can benefit both batters and bowlers at different stages. It stays harder for longer. Bowlers enjoy it until around the 30th over, and that’s usually when the batters can really cash in,” said Conrad.

“It’s obviously not something we use regularly. We had a taste of it in the West Indies, where they use a version of the Dukes ball. But fortunately, a number of our players have experience with it from playing Test matches in the UK.

“So they’re not unfamiliar with it. But yes, it can be a factor, as can the overhead conditions and the slope at Lord’s. All in all, it’s shaping up to be a very intriguing Test match.”

The World Test Championship Final at Lord’s will be played from 11 to 15 June.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg