Delinquent? Scratching balls can be expected (3)

I believe the answer is:

due

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'be expected' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for due that I've seen before include "Rightful" , "Unpaid or expected" , "Appropriate - fee - now owing" , "Owed - expected" , "...more than one there [ROME]" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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