'I feel it’s a big problem': India vice-captain Rishabh Pant voices major concern ahead of the Lord's Test against England

India vice-captain Rishabh Pant is not pleased with the quality of the Dukes ball being used in the ongoing Test series against England. Expressing astonishment, Pant admitted that he had never seen the red cherry go out of shape like this. Players approaching umpires complaining about Dukes losing shape and urging them to change balls has been a regular occurrence in this series. Ahead of the start of the 3rd Test at Lord’s, Pant reiterated his concern.

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Rishabh Pant slams the quality of Dukes ball

The bowlers are not getting any help from the ball after it gets softer, confining the batter-bowler contest to the new ball.

Ahead of the Lord’s Test, starting Thursday, Pant said the ball has become a big problem and it is not good for the game.

“The gauge (to measure the balls) should be the same (whether its Dukes or Kookaburra. But it would be better if it was smaller (laughs). The balls are giving so much trouble. Definitely, I feel it’s a big problem. Because the ball is getting out of shape,” said Pant.

“What I’ve seen, the ball is getting de-shaped too much. That has never happened like this to me. It’s definitely irritating for the players because every ball plays differently because when it becomes softer, sometimes it’s not doing too much. But as soon as it changes the ball, it’s starting to do enough.

“As a batsman, you’ve got a keep on adjusting to it. But at the same time, I feel it’s not good for cricket anyway,” said the explosive batter.

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Rishabh Pant on how many spinners India will play at the Lord’s

India opted for two spinners and three pacers for the Edgbaston Test which they won by 336 runs. The Lord’s pitch is expected to pose a tougher challenge for the batters. Pant did not confirm whether India would stick to the two spinner formula.

“We will get to know by tomorrow whether it would be 3-1 or 3-2. When you see the wicket two days, sometimes it changes the colour, the moisture will become less also,” said the southpaw.

Captain Shubman Gill had also complained about the ball getting softer after the Edgbaston Test.

(With inputs from PTI)