ECB Ditches Hundred-Branded Balls Amid Player Criticism

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to stop using the controversial white Kookaburra balls with Hundred-branding, following player complaints about low scores during last year's tournament, reports ESPNcricinfo. The decision comes despite a winter study revealing little variance between these and other white-ball cricket standards used across England and Wales.

Notably, the men's Hundred competition showed a decline in scoring rates, dropping to just 1.37 runs per ball, which is lower compared to other formats such as the IPL and Major League Cricket. The performance of new-ball bowlers like Tim Southee and Daniel Worrall highlighted the impact of the ball's seam, attributed as a factor for low-scoring games.

The ECB now plans to reintroduce the previous set of balls used in the T20 Blast for the 2025 season. This change aims to appease players and potentially boost scoring rates. However, initial trials in practice matches, such as London Spirit being bowled out for 80 by Oval Invincibles, showed negligible improvement in high-stakes matches.

(With inputs from agencies.)