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Day 2 of the second Test between England and India at Lord’s took a dramatic turn when the condition of the Dukes ball became a central talking point. During the opening hour of play on Friday, July 11, Indian captain Shubman Gill expressed dissatisfaction with the ball being used and requested the umpires to inspect it. Upon using the standard gauge, the officials deemed the ball unfit for further play and opted for a replacement—just 10.4 overs after it had been introduced as the second new ball.
Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj unimpressed with the ball replacement
The situation escalated when the replacement ball chosen by the umpires failed to impress both Gill and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. The Indian skipper was visibly seen questioning umpire Sharfuddoula over the selection, while Siraj appeared to mock the ball’s condition before play resumed. Despite the restart, the replacement ball itself did not hold up and had to be changed again later in the session, amplifying frustration among players and viewers alike.
Stuart Broad vents frustration over recurring issue
Former England pacer Stuart Broad, who was commentating during the match, later took to social media to criticize the quality of Dukes balls. Using a subtle analogy, Broad compared a good cricket ball to a skilled wicketkeeper—someone who goes unnoticed when doing their job well. He lamented that the frequent ball changes have become a norm rather than an exception.
“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,” Broad wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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)
Broad’s remarks echo what many players and experts have pointed out over the last few years—a visible drop in the consistency and lifespan of the Dukes ball. The ball, traditionally praised for aiding seam movement and holding shape over long spells, now faces growing scrutiny for not lasting even a quarter of its intended lifespan.
