India vice-captain Rishabh Pant has voiced his displeasure over the quality of the Dukes ball being used in the ongoing Test series against England. His remarks come days after captain Shubman Gill raised similar concerns, highlighting how the ball’s shape deteriorates far too quickly during matches.
‘It’s Definitely Irritating’: Pant on Dukes Ball Troubles
Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Pant humorously suggested that the gauges used to check ball shapes should be made smaller. “The gauge should be the same (whether it’s Dukes or Kookaburra). But it would be better if it was smaller,” he said, laughing.
However, the wicketkeeper-batter didn’t hide his irritation. “The balls are giving so much trouble. The ball is getting de-shaped too much. That has never happened like this to me,” Pant added. “It’s definitely irritating for the players because every ball plays differently. When it becomes softer, sometimes it’s not doing too much.”
Frequent Ball Changes Disrupting Game Rhythm
Pant’s comments reflect the mood in the Indian dressing room, where bowlers and captains have repeatedly approached umpires to request ball changes. The frequent interruptions—unusual for English conditions—have raised serious questions about the consistency and quality of the Dukes ball, once famed for offering reliable seam movement throughout an innings.
Pant on Bowling Strategy for Lord’s Test
India had opted for a three-pacer, two-spinner combination in the second Test at Edgbaston, which resulted in a commanding 336-run win. When asked if India would stick to that strategy for Lord’s, Pant played it safe.
“We will get to know by tomorrow whether it would be 3-1 or 3-2,” he said. “When you see the wicket two days out, sometimes it changes colour, the moisture becomes less also.”
India Unfazed by England’s Plans
Finally, Pant stressed that Team India remains focused on their own preparations, regardless of what England might be planning. “Whatever the condition is given to us, we are fine with it. We don’t want to think about what the opposition is thinking. Are they changing their plan or not,” said the confident vice-captain, as India aims to take a series lead at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
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