The Duke ball change saga has taken centre stage, with experts like Nasser Hussain and Dinesh Karthik weighing in on whether the Indian team's decision to replace the ball just 10 overs into its use was truly necessary.
Ball Change Controversy Sparks Debate
The incident in question occurred on Day 2 at Lord’s. India had taken the second new ball late on Day 1, with three overs remaining. On Day 2, the ball began to swing sharply thanks to Jasprit Bumrah, who picked up three wickets within the first 10 overs.
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However, when England’s first innings reached the 91st over, Mohammed Siraj complained that the ball had gone soft and was no longer offering any seam movement. Captain Shubman Gill got involved, and after a brief but animated conversation, the ball was changed.
This decision drew criticism from many experts, who felt it was unnecessary and marked a turning point in the match, shifting the momentum in England’s favour. They eventually posted a strong total of 387 in their first innings.
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Experts Question Timing and Impact of Ball Change at Lord’s
Former India batter Dinesh Karthik observed that Bumrah didn’t appear prepared for the change:
“A bit odd, considering how much that ball was moving—probably the most in this Test match, and consistently as well. They delivered 63 balls with it, and quite a few of them moved. So, I don't know what the conversation was. It felt like [Mohammed] Siraj initiated it, and Shubman was there. Bumrah looked like he wasn't ready for it to be changed, but it happened,” said Karthik on air.
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Echoing Karthik’s view, former England captain Nasser Hussain also questioned the decision:
“It was a very odd ball change from India. There are two reasons to change a cricket ball: one, if the umpires think it's gone out of shape, or two, if the bowling side feels the ball isn’t doing anything and wants a replacement,” said Hussain.
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