Rogers to polish ball for Aussies during Ashes

The Australian cricket team has given the responsibility of polishing the ball to young batsman Chris Rogers, in order to promote reverse swing and beat the English at their own game.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Rogers has been given the responsibility because of his experience with the Dukes ball in England, where it deteriorates naturally on the abrasive surfaces.

The report said that although there were legitimate ways of making the ball curve after it had stopped swinging conventionally, England's methods were scrutinized during the Champions Trophy.

The Australian bowling coach Ali de Winter said that the Australians would look at England's work on the ball closely and see if they could do it better themselves.

Meanwhile, Rogers said that the trick was to keep one side of the ball smooth, polished and dry, while the other should be kept roughed up, adding that there was a culture of ball care, which every player bought into.

Starting October, international umpires would be able to replace the ball and give the captain a warning if they believed that the condition of the ball was altered and after a second infringement, a five-run penalty would be awarded to the batting team, along with the captain being reported.