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The Dukes ball was once again in the spotlight after India captain Shubman Gill was unhappy with the umpires over a ball change during the second day of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s.
India requested the second new ball to be changed after it went out of shape just 63 deliveries after it was taken in the 80th over of the innings.
However, the replacement given to India was much older than the ball that was originally in use. Gill was seen in a heated discussion with umpire Sharfuddoula over the change, requesting a newer ball to be given.
Jasprit Bumrah had used the second new ball to pick three wickets in the first half hour of play on Friday. However, the replacement offered little swing or seam movement, allowing England to stabilize after the early wickets.
The replacement was also changed just 48 deliveries later.
The Dukes ball had come under the scanner after the second Test in Birmingham for its inability to retain its shape. Both teams had requested the ball to be changed multiple times in that Test.
India vice-captain Rishabh Pant was handed a demerit point after the first Test in Leeds after he threw a ball away in front of an umpire when he denied India’s request to change the ball.
