Ravi Shastri, Ian Ward slam umpires over time wastage as Dukes ball is changed again: 'It's hard to understand'

The Dukes ball is creating trouble for English bowlers as well and not just their Indian counterparts. Team India’s decision to change the ball twice in the morning session on Day 2 of the third Test between India-England at Lord’s on Friday led to severe criticism from some English experts including Nasser Hussain while the home team batter Joe Root suggested in the press conference that India were wasting time by asking for a change of the ball.

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Nonetheless, England tearaway pacer Jofra Archer was seen asking for a ball change on Day 3’s morning session as he had a lengthy discussion with umpire Sharfuddoula in the 46th over when India were 156/3. However, the pacer’s demand was turned down by the umpire.

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Dukes ball changed again in Lord’s Test

Not surprisingly, though the Dukes ball was changed 10 overs later in the drinks break after the 56th over when India were 197/3, having not lost a wicket and added 52 runs in quick time. England probably were forced to change the ball because it wasn’t doing much to help the bowlers, as has been the usual complaint with the Dukes balls and we are not sure what Root made of the change.

What we know is that the commentators, including Ian Ward and Ravi Shastri, were extremely unhappy with the umpires that they did not start the process of changing the ball at the start of the break, resulting losing valuable time.

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Commentators slam umpires for time wastage

The umpires only called for replacement balls midway through the drinks break before picking one and handing it over to Chris Woakes.

“Why this procedure was not started when drinks was called. We are losing more time,” Ward said on air.

"What was that not decided at the start of the drinks break?" ⌚️

"It's common sense what you're saying. It's basic!" 🤷‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/Q431g2HpR1

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 12, 2025

The ongoing Lord’s Test has also been under the scanner for its abysmally slow over-rate. 22 overs of play were lost across the first two days.

“I agree. It’s hard to understand. The five balls they checked did not pass the gauge test, so why are they in the box?” an angry Shashti remarked, pointing out that keeping out-of-shape balls in the box has led to more time wastage by umpires.