[WATCH]: ENG vs IND 2025: Shubman Gill furious with umpire for changed ball

A major controversy erupted during the second morning session of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s. India started the day incredibly after Jasprit Bumrah, their premier pacer, bagged three wickets in no time. But their captain, Shubman Gill, was not happy with the umpires’ ball change just eight overs into the first session. 

Tensions escalated as Gill snatched the ball out of the umpires’ hands and threw it angrily back to his bowler in protest. He also clashed with the umpire, Sharfuddoula, asking their old back to be back. On the lead up to the red-ball clash, there were so many words exchanged from both camps regarding the Dukes ball losing their shape quickly, making it tough for the bowlers to get help off the surface.

See Also: [WATCH]: Jasprit Bumrah breaks Ben Stokes' defense during ENG vs IND 3rd Test

Ben Stokes, the England captain, felt that the gauge, umpires are using, perhaps doesn’t suit these Dukes balls. On the other hand, Gill reckoned that they had to make changes to the production. Meanwhile, the Dukes ball maker reckoned that it was only an excuse from the bowlers, besides advising the ICC to allow the second new ball from the 60th or the 70th over instead of the 80th.

Watch: Shubman Gill clashes with umpires over changed ball 

The incident occurred on the 91st over of the innings when Mohammed Siraj complained that the ball had gone out of shape. This came just 10.3 overs after the Blue Brigade took the second new ball. After multiple inspections, he umpires changed the ball. However, the Indian side wasn’t happy with the replacement delivery as the new one looked significantly older, which could affect the tourists’ bowling performance.

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The umpire had nothing to do with Gill’s anger as he asked the players to restart the game. In a rare and dramatic response, the Indian captain snatched the ball and smashed it onto the ground. After a few words with Akash Deep, Siraj also turned red in the face with the changed ball.

However, after another 42 deliveries, the replacement delivery was changed. This time, it was perhaps a new ball that brought a smile back to Gill’s face. But due to all the incidents, their focus drifted as England’s Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse got a fine 82-run unbeaten stand for the eighth wicket, going into the lunch break.