The second day of the ongoing third Test between India and England at Lord’s was packed with action, but the spotlight unexpectedly shifted to the Dukes ball. The Indian team repeatedly requested for the ball to be changed.
India’s skipper Shubman Gill looked visibly upset, walking up to the umpires multiple times and asking them to inspect the ball. The officials used the ring gauge to check its shape, and while the ball was occasionally replaced, at other times it was allowed to stay.
This process of checking and occasionally changing the ball occurred mostly during the first session. It has since sparked concerns about the quality and durability of the Dukes ball.
Some former England players criticised India’s frequent appeals for a ball change. Sections of the English media also took aim at Gill and the Indian team for their persistence.
Gavaskar Defends India’s Concerns
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar came to the team’s defence during the commentary. He remarked: “Even from here you can see that is not a 10-overs old ball, that is like a 20-overs old ball. If this would have happened in India… where if there were not enough balls similar to the ones replaced, the British Media would have certainly made a big deal out of it.”
Former England captain Nasser Hussain also weighed in, admitting the problem lies with the ball itself. “There is a serious issue with the Dukes ball – both captains talked about it before the game and in this session it has been changed twice…” He added, “Why would you change a ball that is doing something? When you have got something, stick with it! They didn’t.”
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