Shubman Gill slammed for ball change at Lord's
The third Test at Lord’s between India and England saw a major talking point on Day 2 when Indian captain Shubman Gill asked for a ball change that left many stunned. The second new ball, which had been used for only 63 deliveries, was replaced after failing the ring test. The incident took place during the morning session, just as Jasprit Bumrah was putting England under pressure with a devastating spell.
Bumrah had already dismissed Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Chris Woakes in just 14 balls, using the original ball to great effect. India’s decision to seek a change surprised many, especially with the ball swinging and seaming perfectly. Even Mohammed Siraj was caught on the stump mic saying, “This is a new ball, seriously?” expressing disbelief over the replacement.
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain heavily criticised the decision, calling it “one of the most bizarre” he had seen. He argued that there was no cricketing logic behind the move since the ball was behaving exceptionally well for the bowlers.
Nasser Hussain calls decision ‘bizarre’
Speaking on Sky Sports, Hussain said the ball was offering maximum movement and bounce, and the Indian pacers were in complete control. He explained that balls are usually changed either when they go out of shape or when they stop assisting the bowlers. In this case, he felt neither reason justified the replacement.
“The ball they had for 63 deliveries was zipping around. Bumrah was on a roll. Siraj had catches dropped. I don’t understand why they’d want to change it,” said Hussain. He added that not only did India ask for a change, but the captain also looked frustrated when the replacement was not immediate.
Later, the new ball used after the change also lost shape within 48 deliveries, prompting another replacement. This sequence further fuelled the debate around the inconsistent quality of Dukes balls used in the series.
Match situation after Day 2
England were bowled out for 387 in their first innings, with Joe Root scoring his 8th Test century at Lord’s and Jasprit Bumrah claiming a five-wicket haul. By stumps on Day 2, India were 145 for 3, with KL Rahul unbeaten on 53 and Rishabh Pant holding firm with 19.
The game remains finely balanced as India trail by 242 runs, but the ball change controversy is likely to be a topic of discussion for the rest of the match and possibly the series.
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