Vegan balls for 2022

In a bid to move with the times, the Herts League has done away with leather and cork in favour of eco-friendly vegan balls.

The new ball, made from recycled coconut fibre and banana skins, should perform 'just like the traditional leather ball,' said Sir Augustus Swing-Gently, chairman of the sub-committee responsible for talking balls.

'The only downside', he added, 'is that the new ball must be replaced every delivery, meaning each club will need to buy at least 5,600 for the year.'

On the plus side, they are edible, which is handy given that teas are outlawed for another season.