A major controversy has rocked the India-England Test series after it was revealed that India was handed a 30-35 overs old replacement ball during Day 3 of the second Test at Lord’s — a move that may have significantly impacted the outcome of the match. The incident has prompted the Indian team to escalate the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC), questioning the fairness and transparency of the ball-change protocol in international cricket.
What is The Incident?
On Day 3 at Lord’s, the Dukes ball — known for its hardness and durability — went out of shape after just 10 overs in the morning session. Umpires conducted the standard check using the ring gauge and decided to change the ball. However, the Indian team was not informed about the age of the replacement ball, which, according to sources, was 30 to 35 overs old.
“The protocol states the replacement needs to be as old as the original, but the umpires told the team there was no ball in stock that was 10 overs old,” said a BCCI official.
“Had we known the replacement was going to be so old, we would have continued with the slightly deformed ball.”
Impact on the Match
The match, which India eventually lost by 22 runs, was hanging in the balance at that stage. Indian players and team management argue that receiving a significantly older ball reduced their ability to generate swing, handing the advantage to England during a critical phase.
A report by ESPNcricinfo supports this concern with data showing the second new ball swung an average of 1.869 degrees and seamed 0.579 degrees, while the replacement ball swung only 0.855 degrees, though it seamed marginally more at 0.594 degrees. The drastic drop in swing has added fuel to India’s argument that the change directly influenced the game’s competitiveness.
Bigger Issue With Dukes Ball
This incident is not isolated. Throughout the series, players from both sides have voiced frustration with the Dukes ball going soft or losing shape too early — sometimes within just a few overs. Ball durability, which used to be a hallmark of Dukes manufacturing, appears to be under serious question this series.
India’s Stand and Demand for Change
The Indian team has formally raised the issue with the ICC, urging a review and update of the ball replacement protocol to ensure that teams are provided with a replacement that closely matches the original in age and condition.
“The ICC needs to intervene. This rule needs to be changed,” the BCCI official insisted.
What’s Next?
With high-stakes Tests being influenced by equipment inconsistencies and questionable replacements, the ball controversy has triggered a wider conversation about transparency, fairness, and standardization in international cricket.
It remains to be seen whether the ICC takes immediate action or addresses the matter during the next regulatory review cycle.
For now, the incident continues to cast a shadow over what has otherwise been an enthralling Test series between two cricketing heavyweights.
