IND vs ENG| Amid Ongoing Dukes Ball Controversy, Anil Kumble Urges ICC To Lift Ban On Traditional Rule: 'Make It Reverse At Least'

The 3rd Test between India and England has been rocked by the Dukes ball controversy. On more than one occasion, the Indian players expressed their disappointment regarding the shape of the Dukes ball at Lord's.

Dukes Ball Controversy Rocks IND vs ENG 3rd Test match

On the morning of the second day, the second new ball had to be replaced and the Indian players appeared to be visibly unhappy with the replacement ball. The ball failed to grind out the best from the Indian bowlers as it offered less swing and swim than the previous one. Jasprit Bumrah picked up three wickets in his first three overs, but even the Indian stalwart failed to get his act right with the replacement ball. The ball was eventually had to be changed again after 8 overs of the ball change.

Also Read: WATCH: Shardul Thakur Reveals His Biggest Jasprit Bumrah Prediction That Came True At Lord's, Takes Playful Jibe At His Team For Not Believing Him

Anil Kumble Speaks Up On Dukes Ball Controversy

Former Indian head coach Anil Kumble feels something needs to be done regarding the Dukes ball controversy. In an interaction with ESPN Cricinfo, he said, “Yes, it is only fair that the ball is getting soft or needs to be changed because it's getting out of shape consistently and too frequently. Something needs to be done for sure. If it doesn't last 10 overs, repeatedly changing the ball is not a good thing — not just for cricket, but the ball as well.”

The saliva ban is still in motion as the ICC has yet to take any call on the action they took during the COVID-19 pandemic. IPL decided to lift the saliva ban in IPL 2025, and Anil Kumble feels ICC should follow the BCCI to lift the restrictions.

He further added, “That'll certainly help — shine the ball better and make it reverse at least,” Kumble said. “Today, there aren't many occasions where the ball reverses, especially in these conditions.”

India looked to be on their way to a healthy score at lunch, but Rishabh Pant's run out put them in a spot of bother. The wicketkeeper pushed a Shoaib Bashir delivery into the covers and went for a run after an initial hesitation. Ben Stokes was there and the England captain's accurate throw dislodged the stumps, sending the England players into joy. It seemed Pant was in a hurry to let KL Rahul complete his 10th hundred but he ended up giving his wicket which could prove to be a costly affair for India.

Also Read: IND vs ENG 3rd Test| Jasprit Bumrah Breaks Silence On Dukes Ball Change 'Controversy': 'Don't Want To Lose Out On Money'