During the second day of the third India versus England Test at Lord’s, the Dukes ball was again a point of contention. India’s captain, Shubman Gill, argued with the umpires, and Mohammed Siraj also showed displeasure.
Early on Friday, just after a couple of overs, India complained about the Dukes ball, which was about 10 overs old. The umpire tried to fit the ball through the hoop, but it didn’t pass. Gill had a heated talk with the umpire, likely voicing his frustration with the replacement ball. Even during the drinks break, Gill seemed angry while speaking with the umpire.
The problem with the ball continued when it needed to be changed again 48 balls later. This frequent changing of the ball was already clear in the first two Tests.
Sunil Gavaskar commented that the ball looked more like it was 20 overs old instead of 10. He added that if something similar happened in India, and there weren’t enough similar replacement balls, the British media would make a big deal about it.
Stuart Broad believes the frequent ball changes are unacceptable. He said that the cricket ball should be subtle and that the fact it’s being discussed so much means it’s a problem. He feels like this has been going on for five years and that Dukes needs to correct it, because a ball should last 80 overs, not just 10.
Dukes owner Dilip Jajodia wants the superstars of the game to show more patience and be more reasonable when it comes to this issue. Jajodia mentioned that his company, which has been around since the 18th century, is willing to improve the ball, while considering the hot weather in the UK and the heavy bats used in the modern game.