[WATCH] ENG vs IND 3rd Test: Nasser Hussain criticizes India’s call to replace dukes ball at Lord's Test against England

The ongoing Test series between India and England is currently tied at 1-1, featuring spectacular efforts from Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill in the second Test, along with Akash Deep who showcased an impressive feat of bowling. The biggest talking point is not any individual player's performance in the third Test, but instead, emerged when the Dukes ball seemed to be damaged beyond repair when it was changed on the field twice during a single session. Not surprisingly, the cricketing world is, as it usually does, having some fun with the controversy.

Former England Captain Nasser Hussain has chimed in on the discussion, calling into question India's decision to request a replace the Dukes ball, stating, there was no reason to change it, especially when Jasprit Bumrah was making a mockery of England's middle-order batting. At the start of Day Two, England resumed at 251/4; Bumrah quickly took care of business dismissing Stokes, Root, & Woakes in successive balls to leave England with a challenging position at 271/7. Despite the momentum, India approached the umpires to replace the ball in the 91st over after it lost shape, only 63 deliveries after the last change, which led to further debate over the decision.

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah makes history during ENG vs IND third Test at Lord's

Hussain expressed that the Indians should never have decided to change the ball

The ball controversy in the third Test escalated when India expressed dissatisfaction with the replacement Dukes ball, believing it to be noticeably older than the previous one. Skipper Shubman Gill was seen animatedly arguing with the on-field umpires over the issue. Former England captain Nasser Hussain criticized India's decision to change the ball, stating that unless the shape is deformed or the ball becomes completely ineffective, such a change is unnecessary. He felt that India, with Bumrah in red-hot form dismantling England’s middle-order, should have continued with the ball that was already working wonders.

Amidst the ongoing debate, Dukes ball manufacturer Dilip Jajodia also addressed the issue. He explained that the modern game’s pace causes the ball to strike concrete surfaces and wooden seating more frequently, leading to quicker wear and loss of shape. While he acknowledged that he could manufacture a harder ball, he warned that doing so could increase the risk of injuries. Jajodia also noted that teams often request a ball change when wickets aren’t falling, not necessarily due to any defect. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of making balanced and sensible decisions rather than reacting to momentary setbacks during a match.