The Dukes ball controversy intensified during the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. India opted for the second new ball after 80 overs in England’s first innings, but the ball lost its shape after just 63 deliveries and had to be replaced. The replacement didn’t sit well with the Indian players, who felt it was significantly older. To add to the drama, the new ball lost its shape again just 48 deliveries later, prompting another change. It’s highly unusual for a ball to be changed twice in one session, especially at the iconic Lord’s.

Reacting to the situation, former England pacer Stuart Broad shared his frustration on social media. He emphasized that a cricket ball should last 80 overs, not just 10, and compared it to the consistency expected from a reliable wicketkeeper. Broad expressed concern over how much attention the cricketing world is giving to the ball, turning it into a major talking point. He held the manufacturers responsible and called the situation unacceptable, urging them to resolve the ongoing issues. Broad’s comments underscore a growing concern about the declining quality and consistency of Dukes balls used in Test cricket.

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"The cricket ball should be like a fine wicket keeper. Barely noticed. We are having to talk about the ball too much because it is such an issue & being changed virtually every innings. Unacceptable. Feels like it’s been 5 years now. Dukes have a problem. They need to fix it. A ball should last 80 overs. Not 10" Stuart Broad tweeted through his official Twitter handle.

The cricket ball should be like a fine wicket keeper. Barely noticed. We are having to talk about the ball too much because it is such an issue & being changed virtually every innings. Unacceptable. Feels like it’s been 5 years now.
Dukes have a problem. They need to fix it. A…

— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) July 11, 2025

Captain have complained about Dukes ball wearing out earlier also

The Dukes ball has stirred quite a debate, though for the wrong reasons. Traditionally, changing the ball in a Test match was rare, but in this series, it's become a regular occurrence. After India’s victory at Edgbaston, captain Shubman Gill highlighted the issue, claiming the Dukes ball softens far too quickly, forcing bowlers to struggle and captains to adopt defensive tactics. He expressed concerns that such rapid deterioration compromises the very essence of Test cricket. With mounting criticism, Dilip Jajodia, the manufacturer of the Dukes ball, addressed the controversy in a recent interview.

Jajodia defended the ball’s performance, stating it deteriorates due to match conditions, like repeated contact with concrete structures and wooden seats. He also pointed out that poor bowling could be a factor behind the lack of wickets, shifting some responsibility back onto the players. Furthermore, Jajodia argued against making the ball harder, suggesting it would increase the risk of player injuries. While the ball could be made tougher, he emphasized the importance of balancing durability with player safety. Additionally, the manufacturers have proposed that the ICC revise its laws to allow teams to change the ball earlier than the current 80-over mark.