seam

But in the 2023 Ashes series, with less bounce and seam movement on offer in England, that repeatability became a weakness.

The Kookaburra feels bigger, with a smaller seam.

In recent years spin has played a diminished role in Tests in Australia, and Optus Stadium, the venue for the first Test against Australia starting on 21 November, is particularly suited to seam.

Steve Smith believes England may have picked the wrong bowlers for the Ashes, suggesting Australian wickets will be better suited to seam and swing than an all-out pace attack.

Of those 10 dismissals in 2021-22, seven were from balls pitching 6-8m from the stumps - what is regarded as a 'good' length - and nine seamed away.