Tempers flare at Lord’s: Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj confront umpires as Dukes ball causes controversy - WATCH

Shubman Gill confronts umpire as Dukes ball causes controversy (PTI Photo)

India captain Shubman Gill was upset with the umpires following a ball change on the second day of the third Test between India and England at Lord's, which brought the Dukes ball back into the spotlight. In the opening session, a ball change left Gill and pacer Mohammed Siraj furious with the umpires. The incident happened in the 91st over of the England first innings, with India dominating the first hour of play on Day 2.

This was after Jasprit Bumrah had dismissed Chris Woakes, Ben Stokes, and centurion Joe Root. Gill protested about the shape of the ball after a few deliveries of the 91st over, when the second new ball was only 10.4 overs old. The ball failed the gauge test when umpire Paul Reiffel pulled the ring out of his pocket. The fourth umpire emerged with the ball box, signaling a change in the red cherry being utilized. Gill was upset right away when the umpires chose one ball.

Also Read | Explained: Why cricketers are slamming the Dukes ball in India-England Tests

Umpire Sharfuddoula argued with the Indian captain during their heated conversation. Gill refused to give up and continued to grumble until he was instructed to return to his fielding position so that play could continue. Siraj approached the umpire and examined the ball before he was heard stating on the stump microphone, "This is 10-overs old ball? Seriously?"

Captain Gill is not too convinced about the condition of the ball #SonySportsNetwork #GroundTumharaJeetHamari #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/XmdQiSxQJd

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 11, 2025

Former England pacer Stuart Broad, who on air at that time, was taken aback by the early change of the ball and inquired as to when it had last survived 80 overs. "I wouldn't expect a ball to be changed, it is it's job, isn't it? It is designed to last 80 overs but I can't remember the last time it did. 10 is pretty quick," noted Broad.

When the replaced ball failed to pass through the gauge after a few overs, it was changed once more.

India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah had taken three wickets in the first half hour of the day’s play using the second new ball. However, England were able to consolidate following the early wickets since the replaced ball provided minimal swing or seam movement.

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After the second Test match in Birmingham, the Dukes ball was scrutinized for losing its shape. During that Test, both teams had asked to switch the ball several times. After the first Test in Leeds, India's vice-captain Rishabh Pant was given a demerit point for throwing a ball away in front of an umpire after he refused India's request to change the ball.

Following the victory at Edgbaston, Gill publicly criticized the ball, claiming that it was causing the game to lose its essence. "It is very difficult for the bowlers. I think more than the wicket, maybe the ball is out of shape very quickly. It gets soft very quickly. I don't know what it is, whether it is wickets or whatever. It is difficult for the bowlers. It is very difficult to get a wicket in such conditions, when there is nothing there," said Gill.

Dilip Jagjodia, Dukes ball maker, quickly defended their product as questions were raised about the ball. Jagjodia claimed that because the game has evolved, the regulations must be adjusted. He contended that because players are growing stronger, bats are becoming more powerful, and the ball is "clattering into pillars and benches all the time," the ball gradually becomes softer.

“Everyone is blaming the ball. When players get ducks, it’s the pitch. When bowlers don’t get wickets, it’s the ball. The ball is supposed to deteriorate; it’s not a rock. Maybe the game’s authorities should consider allowing the new ball to be taken somewhere between the 60th and 70th over," Jagjodia had told The Mirror.