India captain Shubman Gill expressed his displeasure with the umpires during the second day of the Lord's Test due to a controversial ball replacement incident.

Team India had opted for the second new ball after the completion of 80 overs, but it lost its shape after just 63 deliveries, prompting a request for a replacement.

However, the ball handed over by the umpires appeared to be significantly older than the one it was replacing. Gill was seen engaging in a heated discussion with umpire Sharfuddoula, clearly urging that a newer ball be provided instead of the one offered.

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Shubman Gill's Frustration Explained

Shubman Gill’s frustration was rooted in the events that followed India’s decision to take the second new ball on Friday morning.

Jasprit Bumrah made full use of the new ball, grabbing three wickets within the first half hour of play. However, once the ball lost shape, the replacement provided offered little movement, either through the air or off the pitch, which allowed England’s innings to stabilize after the early collapse.

The situation worsened when that replacement ball too had to be changed after just 48 deliveries, adding to India’s discontent with the match conditions.

The Dukes ball had already come under the spotlight during the second Test in Birmingham, where both teams had questioned its inability to maintain shape. Throughout that game, the ball was replaced multiple times at the request of both sides.

Earlier in the series, India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant had been handed a demerit point after the first Test in Leeds, where he was seen throwing the ball away in front of the umpire following the denial of India’s appeal to replace the ball.

The Dukes ball had already come under the spotlight during the second Test in Birmingham, where both teams had questioned its inability to maintain shape. Throughout that game, the ball was replaced multiple times at the request of both sides.

Earlier in the series, India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant had been handed a demerit point after the first Test in Leeds, where he was seen throwing the ball away in front of the umpire following the denial of India’s appeal to replace the ball.