India Alleges Ball Bias in Lord’s Test vs England (1)
Team India has reportedly flagged a serious concern to the ICC match referee following the third Test against England at Lord’s. The issue revolves around the replacement of the second new ball, which the Indian team believes unfairly benefited the hosts. According to The Indian Express, India felt that England were given preferential treatment in the ball selection process after the ball used by India went out of shape just 10 overs in.
Rules require the replacement ball to be of similar wear and tear. However, India claims the replacement provided was already 30 to 35 overs old, far more used than the original. With no matching ball available in the umpires’ stock, the team was forced to accept the aged ball, which they say significantly altered the course of the match.
At the time, Jasprit Bumrah had just triggered a major collapse in England’s middle order, removing Stokes, Root, and Woakes in a quick burst. But once the ball was changed, India’s attack lost its sting, and England began to score freely.
India’s Concerns Over Lack of Transparency
Team officials stated they were not informed about the age of the replacement ball. Had they known it was 30 to 35 overs old, they would have opted to continue with the misshaped one. Despite appealing to the match referee to bring back the original ball, their request was denied due to ICC rules.
An Indian team member explained, “We weren’t told how old the replacement ball was. If we knew, we would’ve kept the deformed ball. The ICC needs to review and revise this rule.”
Backing India’s claim, ESPNcricinfo data revealed a steep drop in ball movement after the change. The original second new ball swung at 1.869 degrees and seamed at 0.579 degrees, while the replacement swung just 0.855 degrees with much less seam.
England went on to win the match by 22 runs and took a 2-1 lead in the series. India’s management now hopes the ICC will take notice of what they believe was a pivotal moment influenced by unclear procedures and unequal treatment.
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