'You Can't Just Keep Asking' - England batter makes subtle comment on Shubman Gill over ball change issue in ENG vs IND 3rd Test

England’s star batter Joe Root has proposed a creative yet firm solution to the rising frequency of ball change requests during Test matches. Speaking after his century on Day 2 of the third Test against India at Lord’s, Root suggested that bowling teams should be allowed only three ball change challenges per 80 overs, much like the Decision Review System (DRS). His remarks came in response to India’s two requests for ball changes on the second day, which caused interruptions during England’s innings.

“I personally think that if you want to keep getting the ball changed, each team gets three challenges every 80 overs, and that's it,” Root said after notching up his 37th Test hundred with a composed 104. “That would be a nice way of compromising—saying it's not all on the manufacturer; sometimes these things happen.” With over rates already under scrutiny in the series, Root’s suggestion aims to reduce stoppages and keep the game flowing.

Jasprit Bumrah had previously defended the delays by citing the heat affecting over rates, although Root seemed unimpressed by the claim that the Indian team insisted on changing the ball in the morning session, implying that there was no cause to stop play and interrupt the rhythm.

'No Need to Make a Big Deal About It'

“But you can't just keep asking and slowing the game down at the same time. There is no need to make a big deal about it,” said Root, subtly pointing at Shubman Gill and India’s persistence with ball replacements. His comments reflect the growing frustration over delays that affect the tempo of Test cricket, especially during closely contested sessions.

Root also expressed happiness over Jofra Archer’s long-awaited return to red-ball cricket, praising the pacer’s early success. “There was genuine joy in his face taking that wicket. He is an X-factor player, and he has shown that. He is going to play a big part in the game,” he said, underlining Archer's impact on the match after dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal early.