Frequent disputes over the shape of the Dukes ball have sparked frustration on both sides as England and India prepare for the third Test at Lord’s. (Also Read: Shubman Gill Criticizes Flat Pitches and Dukes Ball in England Test Series)
England captain Ben Stokes and India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant addressed the issue during their pre-match press briefings, calling attention to what they described as repeated deformities in the match balls and inconsistent decisions by match officials.
Persistent Ball Complaints
Stokes said the touring teams often face problems with the ball going soft or losing shape prematurely.
“Whenever we have touring teams visiting, there is an issue with the balls going soft and completely out of shape,” he said. “I don’t even think the rings that we use are Dukes rings. It isn’t ideal. But you have to deal with it.”
The current system uses a metal gauge with two rings to determine ball shape. The ball must pass through the larger ring but not through the smaller one. If it fails the test, a change is permitted. But Stokes suggested that the equipment itself might be flawed.
Pant’s Frustration Boils Over
India’s Rishabh Pant echoed the concern, pointing out the inconsistent behavior of the balls mid-match.
“In this series, the ball is getting de-shaped too much. That is something I’ve never seen,” Pant said. “It is definitely irritating for the players because every ball plays differently. When it becomes softer, sometimes it doesn’t do too much, but as soon as you change the ball it starts to do something.”
He pointed out that these constant changes force batters to keep adjusting, which really messes with the flow of the game. It’s worth remembering that Pant himself has a history of showing his frustration on the field.
The ICC gave him a demerit point and a formal reprimand after he threw his ball down in protest at Leeds, a penalty he accepted immediately.
When asked about Stokes’ comments, Pant offered a tongue-in-cheek reply, suggesting the rings could be “smaller” while keeping the same gauge.
Impact on the Series
The issue has added an unwelcome layer of tension in a series already competitive on the field.
“Every bowling team seems to struggle with it,” Stokes said. “If it fits through we keep going, if it doesn’t we get a new one. Hopefully, eventually it goes that badly out of shape that you are able to change it.”
Umpires have reportedly turned down multiple requests for ball changes in both the Leeds and Birmingham matches, leading to further dissatisfaction among players.
As the teams head into the Lord’s Test, pressure is mounting for clearer officiating protocols and potential reviews of ball quality standards, especially in marquee series like the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
