Tempers flared on Day 2 of the third Test at Lord’s when Indian skipper Shubman Gill and pace bowler Mohammed Siraj were seen in an intense conversation with the on-field umpire regarding the condition of the replacement ball. Gill, visibly animated, was unhappy with the ball’s shape and movement, raising concerns about its suitability for red-ball cricket.
The incident unfolded during the 91st over of England’s first innings. The Indian camp expressed dissatisfaction with the ball, which was only about 10 overs old at the time. The umpire, after conducting the standard hoop test, agreed to replace it. However, the replacement ball didn’t meet India’s expectations either. Shubman Gill voiced his frustration, while Siraj joined in to question the decision.
The umpire, however, stood firm, dismissing their objections and allowing play to continue. The Dukes ball has long been regarded as a bowler-friendly weapon in English conditions. But in recent times, players have raised concerns over its durability.
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The ball reportedly loses shape and swing far too early, making it harder for pacers to exploit English surfaces that already offer less bounce and lateral movement compared to the past. India had made early inroads on Day 2.
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After Joe Root brought up his 37th Test century off the first delivery of the morning, Jasprit Bumrah turned the tide. He cleaned up Ben Stokes with a beautiful delivery and then dismantled Root for 104 with a sharp nip-backer—his 11th dismissal of Root in Tests. Jasprit Bumrah struck again immediately, removing Chris Woakes for a golden duck, reducing England from a strong 260/4 to a shaky 271/7.
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Meanwhile, Shubman Gill’s sublime form continues to shine in the series. With 585 runs in just four innings—including scores of 269 and 161—he has emerged as India’s batting pillar. His monumental efforts in the second Test at Edgbaston, where he was named Player of the Match, helped India level the series after England’s Headingley win.
England, despite a promising start, were left reeling by a fiery Indian pace attack, with Josh Tongue dropped for Jofra Archer in this crucial Test.
