Day 2 of the second Check between England and India at Lord’s took a dramatic flip when the situation of the Dukes ball turned a central speaking level. In the course of the opening hour of play on Friday, July 11, Indian captain Shubman Gill expressed dissatisfaction with the ball getting used and requested the umpires to examine it. Upon utilizing the usual gauge, the officers deemed the ball unfit for additional play and opted for a substitute—simply 10.4 overs after it had been launched because the second new ball.
Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj unimpressed with the ball substitute
The scenario escalated when the substitute ball chosen by the umpires did not impress each Gill and quick bowler Mohammed Siraj. The Indian skipper was visibly seen questioning umpire Sharfuddoula over the choice, whereas Siraj appeared to mock the ball’s situation earlier than play resumed. Regardless of the restart, the substitute ball itself didn’t maintain up and needed to be modified once more later within the session, amplifying frustration amongst gamers and viewers alike.
Stuart Broad vents frustration over recurring challenge
Former England pacer Stuart Broad, who was commentating in the course of the match, later took to social media to criticize the standard of Dukes balls. Utilizing a refined analogy, Broad in contrast a superb cricket ball to a talented wicketkeeper—somebody who goes unnoticed when doing their job effectively. He lamented that the frequent ball adjustments have turn into a norm slightly than an exception.
“The cricket ball needs to be like a tremendous wicket keeper. Barely observed. We’re having to speak in regards to the ball an excessive amount of as a result of it’s such a problem & being modified just about each innings. Unacceptable. Feels prefer it’s been 5 years now. Dukes have an issue. They should repair it. A ball ought to final 80 overs. Not 10,” Broad wrote on X (previously Twitter).
The cricket ball needs to be like a tremendous wicket keeper. Barely observed. We’re having to speak in regards to the ball an excessive amount of as a result of it’s such a problem & being modified just about each innings. Unacceptable. Feels prefer it’s been 5 years now.
Dukes have an issue. They should repair it. A…— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) July 11, 2025
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Broad’s remarks echo what many gamers and consultants have identified over the previous few years—a visual drop within the consistency and lifespan of the Dukes ball. The ball, historically praised for aiding seam motion and holding form over lengthy spells, now faces rising scrutiny for not lasting even 1 / 4 of its supposed lifespan.
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