Second Test day 3 between England And India Lords saw a bizarre obstruction, disappointing the commentators and the audience. As soon as the players returned to the field after the first drink break, on-field umpires stopped the proceedings to inspect the position of the ball, eventually decided to replace it. Delay – Reducing several minutes – at a time when India started the session firmly, and the speed was clearly with visitors.
Was many people surprised. Instead of using a brake to check and replace the ball, the umpires chose to start the process after the beverage interval ended, leading to a avoidable stagnation in playing and criticism from all quarters.
Smoke on lack of awareness of Ravi Shastri umpires
Head coach of former India Ravi ShastriWhich was on-air during the incident, did not tell the words as he expressed his disappointment in dealing with the situation of the match officials. Fellow commentator Ian wardShastri called the delay insensitive and easily avoidable. He questioned that the umpires waited until after the breakdown of the drink to start the process instead of using the interval to operate the check, called the delay “ridiculous”. Shastri insisted that such decisions should be operated by general knowledge, as unnecessary stagnation can disrupt the game’s rhythm. He himself raised a valid point about replacement balls, given that five different balls failed to pass the ring gauge test and questioned why they were available in the first place if they did not meet the standards.
“They have decided to change the ball again, it is quite clearly ridiculous. Because if they have decided to change the ball, why this drink was not fixed at the beginning of the break. We were waiting for the entirety of the break of the drink, they should now play again and now they have decided to change it? Shastri said on SkySpports.
Also read – ENG vs IND: KL Rahul as fans hit a gritty century on 3 of Lord’s Test
Duke ball again in the spotlight amid chain-wide worries
This is only a dispute related to the latest ball to the investigation around the Duke Ball in this series. Many examples of size deformation and replacement of middle-wall have already been noted, the players have raised the voice of dissatisfaction. Earlier, England Great Stuart broad The manufacturer openly criticized the manufacturer for lack of stability in the balls supplied.
“What was not decided at the beginning of a drink break?”
“It’s general knowledge what you are saying. It’s basic!” pic.twitter.com/Q431G2HPR1
– Sky Sports Cricket (@Skycricket) July 12, 2025
