[WATCH]: ENG vs IND 2025: 'Let umpires...'- Former England captain explains persistent ball change
Watch the former England captains explaining why the balls have been changed persistently.
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In the first 13 days of the five-match Test series between England and India, the biggest challenge and the talk of the town is the Dukes ball losing shape and getting replaced every 10 minutes. The former captain of the England side, Nasser Hussain, however, reckoned that the final decision of the discussion should be up to the umpires.
Hussain also pointed out that the two reasons for the Dukes balls getting changed it either because they had been losing their shape or because the bowlers had failed to pick the wickets in three balls. Shubman Gill, the Indian captain, was on the line when, despite getting three wickets early on the second morning, he changed the ball and later wasn’t happy with that.
See Also: [WATCH]: ENG vs IND 2025: Shubman Gill furious with umpire for changed ball
“Strong goes to the umpiring. They have the gauge in the pocket, and they can check the ball during the drinks break or when a delay occurs there or a wicket has fallen. There are only two reasons for which the balls are changed, which are that it’s gone out of shape, or precious bowlers like Stuart Broad wouldn’t be doing anything with it for three deliveries, and it's not his fault, but the ball’s fault.’ Nasser Hussain expressed on Sky Sports Cricket.
Watch: Nasser Hussain explains the reasons behind the persistent ball change
The law book says that for the change of ball, it’s the umpires who discuss independently whether to change it or not. However, the ball should not be changed unnecessarily, and it will be up to the umpires to check the ball through the gauge and make the final decision. It can’t be changed only because of the tactical way, but the law doesn’t push the umpire to change it only because it doesn’t go through the gauge.
Hussain also felt that in the last couple of years, the balls have gone out of shape quite regularly, and it will be up to the maker to bring developments to it. However, the maker thought it had been an excuse from the bowlers for several months. He also urged the ICC to change the rule where the teams could take the second new ball in 60 or 70 overs, rather than 80.
Joe Root also suggested a unique method where he felt that a team should be given at least three chances to change the ball in 80 overs.
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