The dreaded Jabulanis © Getty Images

In the interests of scientific research, Soccernet dispatched some of our leading lights to user test the Jabulani ball on Wednesday night in their weekly five-a-side match on a local west London astroturf pitch. Here are the findings of lead producer and office athlete Jonathan Hungin.

“Straight away it felt very different to the ball we use regularly (a 2009-10 Premier League ball). It has a light, bouncy ‘inflatable’ feel to it. So much so that to begin with we weren’t sure if we needed to pump it up or let some air out … we opted to pump it to the max in the hope it might lend some weight to it.

“After giving it go for 70 minutes, I can say it was not enjoyable to use. Despite the added air it was still far too light, the almost tennis-ball like bounce made it very, very difficult to control or play a quick pass, the margin for error on your first touch was non-existent. Trying to strike a hard and accurate shot was a bit of a lottery, you had to get your head over, smash it and just hope it didn’t wobble or fly off in a random direction.

“As for the ‘keepers, it really was tough. It was fine for the diving save or block with the body but a total nightmare for the shot straight at you. At no point could you be confident of a clean catch as there was too much of a chance of it rebounding out off your chest. The safest thing to do at all times was a firm punch.”

It looks like Soccernet’s own world beaters agree with Fabio Capello on this one.