Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif questioned Mohammed Siraj and Shubman Gill's decision to change the ball on Day 2 of the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, which is being played at the iconic Lord's Stadium in London. Kaif, who played 13 Test matches for India, posted on 'X' to criticize the captain and pacer.
Kaif wrote: “Indians showing little patience with ball. Ball change after Bumrah's three wickets backfires. Swing gone, it's tough to understand why Shubman allowed Siraj to change ball.”
With Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Ben Stokes, centurion Joe Root, and Chris Woakes, India gained momentum in the first hour of play, which is when the incident occurred in the 91st over of the England's first innings.
Gill protested about the shape of the ball midway during 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.
Umpire Sharfuddoula argued with the Indian captain leading to a tensed moment. 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?"
While that was the drama on the opening session, India quickly bowled out England for 387 when the play resumed after the Lunch interval, with Bumrah registering his maiden five-wicket haul at Lord’s.
