Team India captain Shubman Gill argued with an on-field umpire about a ball change during the first day of the third Test against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday, 10 July. Shubman Gill appeared dissatisfied with the ball’s position and expressed his displeasure before the game resumed.
The Duke Ball is a major talk due to his ongoing concerns about its quality. The players have expressed disappointment with the ball losing their size and soft after just 20-30 overs. This has led to many on-field controversies with umpires, as the bowlers are completely taken out of the game.
Watch: Shubman Gill saw arguments with umpire during Lord’s Test
During the first innings of the ongoing test, Shubman Gill requested a ball change due to concerns over his position. However, the on-field umpires rejected the request, directed India to continue with the same ball.
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The fourth umpire briefly appeared with a replacement, but was sent back without any change. Gill, who was disappointed with the verdict, was seen getting entangled in the discussion with the umpire as it did not go in favor of India.
Watch the video of the same posted by a user (formerly known as Twitter):
https://t.co/wpspvsa1ks pic.twitter.com/dltp8njrsd
– Water@(@Mrrobinhood777) 10 July, 2025
After the second test, Shubman Gill had already expressed concern about the situation of the Duke ball. Gill said that when the ball loses its size within 20 overs, it gives some help to the bowlers, forcing the captains to a defensive mindset.
After Shubman Gill’s complaint, the Duke maker defends the quality of the ball
Duke ball makers have said that ICC should consider allowing teams to change the ball between the 60th and 70th overs. He said that the ICC hopes that the ball will run for 79.5 overs but it was accepted that it could not always be realistic.
“Maybe sports officials should consider allowing the new ball somewhere between the 60th and 70th over instead of the current 80th over rule. They somehow hope that the ball will be difficult till the 79.5th over, which I am afraid, not possible.”
“The ball is not a machine-made product where every unit is the same. The ball is considered to be deteriorating; it is not a rock. As far as we, manufacturers, the ball is not being failed. We have not reduced our standards or have not changed their procedures,” the official said.
England Post 251/4 on 1 of Lord’s Test
England opted to bat after winning the toss under the clear sky. India maintained its two-spinner strategy from the second test. Indian bowlers bowled with discipline in the initial session, in which Nitish Kumar Reddy rejected both Ben Docket and Zak Crolly in the same over.
Joe Root and Oli Pope re -created the innings with a 109 -run partnership. However, Ravindra Jadeja dismissed the Pope for 44 after tea, in which option keeper Dhruv Juraral caught a spectacular behind the stumps. Jasprit Bumrah soon removed Harry Brook for 11.
However, the root, unbeaten on 99, and Ben Stokes, which ended at 39, ensured that England closed the day at 251/4. India will expect the second new ball, just three over old, will help them to make inroads on day 2.
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