Another day, another ball-change controversy at Lord’s. The drama continued on Saturday during the third Test as Jofra Archer expressed clear frustration with the shape of the Dukes ball, adding further fire to a series already simmering with tension.

The moment unfolded during the 46th over of India’s second innings, when Archer questioned the shape of the ball after delivering a short one to KL Rahul.

Although the ball passed the ring gauge test used to verify its roundness, Archer was visibly unimpressed.

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Commentators on Sky Sports were quick to weigh in.

The sentiment echoed a wider concern that players from both teams are becoming too involved in trying to influence ball changes — something that should remain solely under umpire control.

“They’re trying to get the ball changed because this one’s doing nothing,” another voice in the commentary box added, suggesting strategic motives behind the complaints.

Dukes ball under criticism

This incident followed criticism of India’s repeated requests for ball changes during England’s first innings. At one point, Shubman Gill was seen visibly animated while urging the umpires to inspect the ball. The Dukes ball went through multiple checks, triggering ongoing debate about its quality and consistency.

Former cricketers also joined the conversation. Stuart Broad called the situation “unacceptable,” arguing that the Dukes ball should comfortably last 80 overs, not become ineffective within 10.

With controversies piling up, the issue of ball condition has become a central subplot in this gripping Lord’s Test.

Former cricketers also joined the conversation. Stuart Broad called the situation “unacceptable,” arguing that the Dukes ball should comfortably last 80 overs, not become ineffective within 10.

With controversies piling up, the issue of ball condition has become a central subplot in this gripping Lord’s Test.