Shubman Gill and Team India faced criticism after a ball change incident during the Lord’s Test against England. The second new ball was replaced after just 63 deliveries on Day 2, sparking confusion and debate. The replacement came after the ball failed the ring test, but many, including former England captain Nasser Hussain, questioned India’s decision to push for the change.
India were in control at that point, with Jasprit Bumrah in top form. He had already taken the key wickets of Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Chris Woakes in a brilliant 14-ball spell. However, once the ball was changed, England stabilized. Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse went on to score fifties, leaving many to wonder if the ball change had shifted the momentum of the match.
Nasser Hussain Questions India’s Judgment
Nasser Hussain expressed disbelief over India’s move to replace a ball that was helping their bowlers. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said, “It was one of the most bizarre decisions I’ve seen. The ball was doing everything. Bumrah was on fire. Why would you change it?”
Hussain emphasized that the Duke’s ball has always been unpredictable, and when one behaves well, it’s better not to replace it. He noted that Siraj seemed unhappy with the new ball and even approached the umpire, suggesting it didn’t behave the same way.
Second Ball Also Went Out of Shape
Ironically, the replacement ball also lost shape just 48 balls later. The umpires again had to conduct a ring test and switch the ball. Hussain pointed out that this only proved how inconsistent the Dukes ball can be and reinforced his stance that India should have kept the original one.
At stumps on Day 2, England had posted a total of 387 in the first innings. Bumrah ended with a five-wicket haul, and Joe Root scored a century. India responded with 145/3, with KL Rahul unbeaten on 53 and Rishabh Pant not out on 19. The match is evenly balanced, but the ball change episode continues to raise eyebrows.
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