- DUKES HISTORY -

Established in 1760, Dukes is likely the world’s oldest sports brand.

The origins of Dukes cricket balls can be traced back to early generations of the Duke family who operated as a cottage industry, in the Penshurst area of Kent, England. Duke and Son gained the Royal Patent for their cricket balls in 1775 from King George IV and made the first ever six seam cricket ball - used during the 1780 English cricket season. 

In 1851, the Dukes triple sewn ball won a prize medal at the Great Exhibition in London. In Australia, Duke and Son received First Order of Merit awards at Exhibitions in Sydney (1879), Melbourne (1880) and Adelaide (1881).

In 1920, Duke & Son merged with John Wisden and Co, before being amalgamated in 1961 into a joint venture company - Tonbridge Sports Industries. The Dukes business was purchased by British Cricket Balls Ltd in 1987, who have produced Dukes cricket balls to this day.

The same meticulous care and attention is paid to all the traditional processes, in addition to new technology, to ensure that products of the highest standard are made available for the game at all levels today. Only the very best raw materials are used to protect the brand’s reputation for top quality.

From 2017, Dukes cricket balls were used in Sheffield Shield cricket in Australia. This resulted in a significant amount of glowing feedback from players, coaches, administrators and supporters about the quality of the product. Importantly, most feedback centred on Dukes being “good for cricket” by creating balance between bat and ball and the development of adaptable and skilled cricketers.

Dukes are now also being used in Premier, senior, junior and school cricket in Australia, with continual positive feedback.