Shubman Gill criticised over ball change at Lord’s
Shubman Gill and Team India are facing criticism for requesting a ball change during Day 2 of the Lord’s Test against England. The second new ball was replaced after just 63 deliveries when it failed the ring test. Although the change followed the rules, many experts questioned the timing, especially since India had strong momentum at the time.
Jasprit Bumrah had just delivered a lethal spell, picking up the wickets of Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Chris Woakes in quick succession. With England under pressure, the ball change seemed to break India’s rhythm. England’s lower-order batters Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse took advantage, both scoring valuable fifties and shifting the game back in England’s favour.
Nasser Hussain Questions India’s Decision
Former England captain Nasser Hussain called the decision “bizarre.” Speaking on Sky Sports, he said, “Bumrah was on fire. The ball was swinging and doing everything. Why would you want to change it?”
Hussain also pointed out that Mohammed Siraj didn’t seem satisfied with the new ball’s behavior and even appeared to raise the issue with the umpires. Ironically, the replacement ball also lost shape after just 48 balls and had to be changed again.
By the end of Day 2, England had posted 387 runs. Bumrah finished with a five-wicket haul, while Joe Root scored a brilliant century. In response, India reached 145/3 with KL Rahul unbeaten on 53 and Rishabh Pant on 19. Although the match is still evenly poised, the ball change incident has sparked plenty of debate in the cricket world.
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