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Key Points

Stuart Broad has called out the poor quality of Dukes balls after multiple changes disrupted play in the third Test. India's Shubman Gill was visibly frustrated with the replacement ball, while Jasprit Bumrah troubled England's batters with his pace. Joe Root scored a century but fell soon after to Bumrah's sharp delivery. England recovered through Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse's unbeaten stand before lunch.

Key Points: Stuart Broad Slams Dukes Ball Quality After Frequent Changes in Lord's Test

  • Stuart Broad criticizes Dukes ball durability after multiple changes
  • India captain Shubman Gill frustrated with replacement ball quality
  • Bumrah rattles Stokes and Root with fiery spells
  • England's Jamie-Smith and Carse build crucial 82-run partnership
3 min read

Unacceptable, Dukes have problem: Stuart Broad on constant ball change in third Test at Lord's

Stuart Broad calls frequent ball changes "unacceptable" as India and England face Dukes ball issues in the third Test at Lord's.

"The cricket ball should be like a fine wicketkeeper. Barely noticed. – Stuart Broad"

London, July 11

Former England pace stalwart Stuart Broad believes it is "unacceptable" that the ball is being changed quite frequently during the second day of the third Test between India and England, considering it should last for 80 overs instead of 10.

Just a couple of overs into the second day on Friday, India complained about the Dukes ball, which was around 10 overs old. The umpire tried to put the ball through the hoop, but it didn't go through. India captain Shubman Gill was seen having an animated chat with the umpire, possibly expressing his discontent with the replacement ball. Even in the drinks break, Gill appeared to be livid during his conversation with the umpire.

The persistent issue with the ball continued when, 48 deliveries later, the ball required changing yet again. Even before the third contest, the ball-change trend was evident during the first two Tests. Broad believes that the constant change of the ball due to the loss of shape indicates that the Dukes "have a problem".

"The cricket ball should be like a fine wicketkeeper. Barely noticed. We are having to talk about the ball too much because it is such an issue, & being changed virtually every innings. Unacceptable. Feels like it's been 5 years now. Dukes have a problem. They need to fix it. A ball should last 80 overs. Not 10," Broad wrote on X.

India kicked off Day 2 with its pace spearhead tantalising England's proven stars with his blistering speed and variations. He ended England Test captain Ben Stokes' (44) hunt to regain form by rattling the timber with a sublime delivery.

With the ball nibbling around, Root lunged forward, but the ball nipped in slightly, brushed off the inside edge and crashed into the stumps. Root got his record-shattering Test ton but failed to add many as he walked back to the dressing room with 104(199).

On the next delivery, Bumrah made a bleated appeal for a caught behind. However, the slip squadron had more faith that Chris Woakes had edged it to wicketkeeper Dhurv Jurel. India decided to take the matter upstairs, and the review indicated a faint nick to the keeper. The decision was overturned as Woakes didn't trouble the scorers and returned with a golden duck.

Jamie Smith, who found a second life after KL Rahul dropped him on five, forged an unbeaten 82-run partnership with Brydon Carse to power England to 353/7 before players went back to take lunch.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral observer, I agree with Broad. The ball should last longer in Test cricket. It's affecting both teams equally. Shubman Gill was right to complain - the replacement ball seemed to behave differently.
A
Arjun K
Typical English conditions favoring their bowlers! But Bumrah is making them dance anyway 🔥 That yorker to Stokes was pure class! Ball change or no change, our pace attack is dominating!
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Priya S
I think we're missing the bigger picture here. Why is the focus only on the ball? The real story is how our bowlers are performing despite these challenges. Bumrah and co. deserve more appreciation!
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Michael C
While Broad makes a valid point, let's not forget this is Test cricket - challenges like these are part of the game. Both teams have to adapt. That's what makes this format special.
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Kavya N
The ball issue is serious but I'm more worried about KL Rahul's dropped catch! At this level, such mistakes can cost us the match. Hope he makes up with his batting 🤞

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