 "Explained: How Tristan Stubbs' dismissal in DC vs LSG match highlighted the need for dry balls in IPL")
Ashutosh Sharma emerged as the star of Delhi Capitals’ (DC) successful thrilling run chase against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ashutosh finished on 66 not out from just 31 balls DC defeated LSG by one wicket and completed a 210-run chase with three balls to spare even after the team once reeling at 113/6.
However, Tristan Stubbs could have been the one to take DC to the finishing line at Vishakhapatnam if not for a ball change. The 24-year-old Stubbs played a crucial knock of 32 from 22 balls, hitting three sixes, and was the one who steadied the DC innings after they were reduced to 65-5, losing the top five in the first seven overs.
Four wickets fell in the powerplay and teams don’t often end up successfully chasing 210 from such a scenario but Stubbs gave the much-needed impetus with his attacking innings. In fact, he looked in complete control and his attacking instincts were just about to peak when he got out.
Stubbs sent back as dry ball does the trick
Before 26-year-old left-arm spinner Manimaran Siddharth clean bowled Stubbs, the South African had smashed the Tamil Nadu cricketer for two consecutive sixes on the first two balls of the 12th over. Then came the ball change which changed the whole scenario.
There was dew and the ball in use before the change had got wet. It was not easy to grip, explaining the big shots from the DC batter, but the second six Stubbs hit over the sightscreen forced a ball change. The ball went missing and umpires were forced to opt for a new ball.
What happened on the next ball? Siddharth was immediately able to grip the ball, turning the ball away, beating Stubbs on the outside change and breaking the stumps.
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Stubbs’ wicket shows importance of a dry ball
Bowlers have long complained about failing to grip the wet ball during the second innings of a day-night match due to dew. However, a dry ball is a lot easier to grip and it also is able to extract more spin from the pitch. Which was visible in the way Siddharth cleaned up Stubbs.
The IPL has also brought in a new two-ball rule for the second innings in day-night matches this season. The bowling team can ask for a new ball after the 10th over if the ball is too wet. The on-field umpires will have to approve this swap.
While the two-ball rule was not used in the DC vs LSG match, Lucknow were still able to use a new ball due to Stubbs’ carnage and the trick quickly worked for them, highlighting the importance of a dry ball in creating balance in the second innings in dry-night matches.
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