Joe Root has made headlines once again, but this time not for his batting heroics. The former England captain addressed the ball change controversy during the ongoing Lord’s Test against India. After Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj expressed frustration over the condition of the replacement Dukes’ ball, Root offered a blunt response, urging players to stop complaining and focus on adapting to the situation.
The incident occurred on the morning of Day 2 when Gill disagreed with the second new ball issued just after 10.3 overs. India’s bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, had been performing well, but post-ball change, the momentum seemed to shift in England’s favor. Root, speaking after play, suggested a new rule allowing three ball replacement requests per team in 80 overs, similar to how DRS reviews are used.
Root Suggests Ball Change Limit to Avoid Delays
Joe Root proposed a solution to the ongoing ball issue, recommending that each team be allowed three ball replacement requests during an 80-over period. He emphasized that this would reduce excessive interruptions and make teams more strategic about when to ask for a new ball.
“I think if you want to keep getting the ball changed, then give three challenges per 80 overs, and that’s it,” Root said. He also added that any replacement ball should meet proper size standards to ensure fairness.
‘Stop Wasting Time,’ Root Tells India
Root didn’t hold back while commenting on India’s reaction to the ball change. “You can’t keep asking and wasting time. You need to move on and play the game,” he said. Root believes the game must flow naturally and that players should be flexible with unexpected changes, including ball behavior.
He further remarked that dealing with such challenges adds a new layer of skill to the game. “Whether it swings more or less, the ability to adapt is what makes Test cricket exciting,” Root added.
As of now, England has posted a strong total of 387 runs. India trails with 145/3 at the end of Day 2, with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant at the crease. The Test match remains evenly poised as both teams eye a lead in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy series.
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