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"Why Are They In The Box?" Ravi Shastri Lashes Out Over Timing Of Gauge Test On Day 3

Aakash Saini

Ravi Shastri [Source: @SkyCricket, @ujjawal_isgood/x]Ravi Shastri [Source: @SkyCricket, @ujjawal_isgood/x]

The controversy surrounding the dukes ball seems to be deepening with each passing session in India’s ongoing away Test series against England. While Indian captain Shubman Gill got into an argument with the on-field umpires on Day 2 regarding a ball change, the officials spent some crucial minutes on the field early on Day 3 while mining for a new ball.

Moreover, the incident took place shortly after the conclusion of the drinks break in the first session of the day, prompting on-air commentators to question the timing of the decision.

Shastri And Co. Fume Over Time Delay

Shortly after the drinks break in the first session of Day 3, the on-field umpires spent a few minutes performing a gauge test for determining a ball change. An English commentator commentating at the time expressed his frustration over the timing of the decision, citing that the umpires could have performed the same during the break, Additionally, his on-air partner Ravi Shastri also reciprocated his sentiment.

Moreover, a seemingly-frustrated Shastri even lashed out at the umpires by asking why were there five balls inside the box in the first place since all of them failed to go through the ring. While commentating for the Sky Sports Cricket channel, the prominent commentator said:

“It’s hard to explain. What’s quite amazing is that they checked 5 balls there and five of them did not go through the ring so why are they in the box in the first place?”

With repeated ball changes throughout the ongoing Lord’s Test, and India’s complaint regarding lack of swing on Day 2, the use of Dukes ball in the series has taken a controversial turn.

The ball-change factor also seems to be impacting the over-rate for both teams, considering only 83 overs were possible on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test, and only 72 were possible on Day 2, even though both days went through over time.