![Jasprit Bumrah explains [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1752321532878_Sanjana_ganesan.jpg?type=mq)
Jasprit Bumrah explains [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]
The ongoing third Test between India and England of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Lord’s has been exciting on the field, but it’s the ball, not just the cricket, that’s making headlines.
The focus shifted away from the players briefly on Day 2 when India captain Shubman Gill got visibly upset about the condition of the ball. This is not the first time the Dukes ball has caused frustration in the India vs England series.
Bumrah Reacts To Dukes Ball Drama In Lord’s Test
India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who’s been leading the pace attack, finally shared his thoughts on the ongoing ball issue. Speaking to his wife and sports anchor Sanjana Ganesan on Sony Sports, Bumrah said,
“The ball is a little different from the last series I played here. Obviously I understand dry conditions and hot summer as well, but the ball used to stay hard for longer. That doesn’t happen anymore and that is something I cannot change and don’t have the power to.”
The trouble began on Day 2 when Bumrah had given India an early advantage, dismissing England batters Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes using the second new ball. But shortly after the 91st over, Gill felt the ball had lost its shine and hardness far too quickly.
He approached the umpires and asked for a replacement. However, the ball given in return made things worse. It looked even older than the previous one and didn’t behave like a ball that had been used for only 10 overs.
Frustrated, Mohammed Siraj couldn’t hold back either and sarcastically asked the umpire, “This is 10-overs old ball? Seriously?” Yet, the umpires refused to change the replacement ball again, and play continued despite the Indian team’s clear dissatisfaction.
The situation became tense when Gill was seen in a heated conversation with the umpires about the ball. Repeated tests were carried out to check if the ball passed through the measuring gauge, a standard test used to see if a ball is too old or worn. This scene has played out several times throughout the first three Tests of the series.
At the post-match press conference, Bumrah was careful with his words. He avoided making any controversial remarks that could land him in trouble with match officials. He said,
“…The ball changes, I don’t really control that. Obviously, I don’t want to lose out on money because I work very hard and bowl a lot of overs. So, I don’t want to say any controversial statements and get my match fees deducted," Bumrah said.
Despite clearly being affected by the situation, Bumrah stayed calm and professional in his comments.
