Former England pace spearhead Stuart Broad has once again raised concerns about the quality of the Dukes ball, highlighting that issues have persisted for several years. His comments come amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the ball during the third Test of the five-match series at Lord’s.
As in the previous two Tests, the Dukes ball came under scrutiny when Indian captain Shubman Gill expressed dissatisfaction with its condition and requested a replacement during the first hour of play on Friday, 11 July.
After checking the ball with the gauge, the umpires agreed that a change was necessary. Notably, this was the second new ball of the innings, and it lasted only 10.4 overs before being replaced.
A box of replacement balls was brought onto the field, but the umpires’ selection failed to satisfy Gill, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj, who again expressed concern over its condition. Gill was seen in a heated discussion with on-field umpire Sharfuddoula.
Later in the same session, the replacement ball also had to be changed again after just eight overs. Broad, who had already criticised the Dukes ball during commentary, took to social media to air his frustration.
“The cricket ball should be like a fine wicketkeeper — barely noticed. We are having to talk about the ball too much because it is such an issue and is being changed virtually every innings. Unacceptable. Feels like it’s been five years now. Dukes have a problem. They need to fix it. A ball should last 80 overs, not 10,” Broad posted on X.
Despite the ball-related issues, India managed to bowl England out for under 400 in what has largely been a batter-dominated series so far, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming five wickets and earning his name on the Lord’s honours board. England, however, responded strongly with the ball and had India at 145/3 at stumps on Day 2. The visitors trail by 242 runs.
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