The controversy around the Dukes ball continued during Day 3 of the Lord’s Test, causing delays and visible frustration.Frequent ball changes further happened during India’s inningsand that left, Commentators and viewers exasperated. The slow over rate is drawing even more attention to the issue.
Shastri Questions Replacement Ball Standards
Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was on commentary, expressed his annoyance after the umpires halted play again to inspect and replace the ball. According to ICC rules, the ball must pass through a ‘ball gauge’ — if it slips through, play continues, but if not, the ball must be changed.
“It’s hard to explain. What’s quite amazing is that they checked 5 balls there and five of them did not go through the ring so why are they in the box in the first place?” Shastri said on air.
In the last two Tests, both teams have complained about the ball losing shape and not swinging as expected. On Day 1 of the third Test, there were no notable problems, but issues began surfacing on Day 2.
India had taken three early wickets using the second new ball, which was swinging both ways. However, despite its movement, they had some problem with the ball and requested to change it.
But unexpectedly, that ball seemed older than they thoughtand they were left frustrated. Skipper Shubman Gill had a lengthy conversation with umpire Sharfudduola Saikat. Before the start of the 95th over, Gill once more requested a change, but this time the umpire declined.
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