To enable the Indian cricket team to be better prepared for challenging overseas assignments, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced the Kookaburra ball in the ongoing Duleep Trophy instead of the SG [Sanpareils Greenlands] Test ball, which is used in home Test matches.

The Kookaburra ball is used by major Test-playing nations like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Zimbabwe—except in India, West Indies and England (Dukes). It is understood that the reason behind the BCCI’s decision to utilise the Kookaburra ball is to help its cricketers, especially the bowlers, get acclimatised to the grip, feel and behaviour of the ball.