India’s decision to request a ball change during the Lord’s Test against England has sparked debate among cricket experts, with former England captain Nasser Hussain calling the move “bizarre” and ex-India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik suggesting Jasprit Bumrah seemed unprepared for it.
The Controversial Call
On Day 2 of the Test, India’s pacers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, were finding remarkable movement with the second new ball. Bumrah had just dismantled England’s top order, taking crucial wickets including Ben Stokes and Joe Root, within a short spell.
Despite this success, India’s captain Shubman Gill and the team began requesting a ball change around the 90th over. This came after the second new ball had been taken at 80.1 overs on the previous day. Umpires eventually granted their request, but the new red ball left the Indian camp visibly displeased.
Mohammed Siraj was heard on the stump mic questioning the quality of the replacement ball, asking, “This is 10-over-old ball? Seriously?” This sentiment was echoed by commentators who also noted the new ball’s underwhelming performance.
Nasser Hussain Slams the Decision
Former England captain Nasser Hussain was particularly vocal about India’s “odd” request, which he believes ultimately backfired. England, who were struggling at 271 for seven, managed to add 116 more runs for the last three wickets after the ball change, thanks to half-centuries from Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse.
Hussain emphasized that a ball is typically changed either if it goes out of shape or if the bowling team feels it’s doing nothing. In this case, he argued, the original ball was “doing everything.”
“The ball they had, for 63 deliveries, was zipping round corners. Bumrah was going through a magic spell,” Hussain stated. He found it inexplicable why India would want to change a ball that was showing so much life, calling it “one of the most bizarre decisions.”
He further criticized India’s animation when the change was delayed and their subsequent complaints about the replacement ball. “Don’t change the good one,” he advised, highlighting the risk involved in swapping a performing ball for an unknown quantity.
Dinesh Karthik on Bumrah’s Reaction
Adding another layer to the incident, former India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik observed that Jasprit Bumrah seemed caught off guard by his captain’s decision to call for a ball change. Karthik noted the original ball was performing exceptionally well, with consistent movement.
“It felt like [Mohammed] Siraj initiated that and Shubman was there, Bumrah looked like he wasn’t ready for it to be changed, but it happened,” Karthik remarked. This suggests a potential disconnect or a sudden decision that even the primary strike bowler wasn’t anticipating, especially given his effectiveness with the old ball.
- India requested a ball change despite their pacers getting significant movement.
- Nasser Hussain called the decision “bizarre” as the original ball was “doing everything.”
- The new ball appeared to be less effective, allowing England to add crucial runs.
- Dinesh Karthik felt Jasprit Bumrah seemed unprepared for the ball change.
This controversial mid-innings decision will undoubtedly be a point of discussion for India as they reflect on their strategy in the ongoing Test series.
