New Delhi: Tensions have risen ahead of the final Test between India and England as Indian officials have reportedly raised concerns over the ball selection process, alleging that the home side may be receiving preferential treatment. The red Dukes ball has once again become the center of controversy during this closely fought series.
According to a report in The Indian Express, Indian team officials believe that England have repeatedly been allowed to pick the match balls first, including those with a darker shade of red, which are known to swing more than the standard red ones. On multiple occasions, the Indian team reportedly asked for these darker balls but were told they had already been reserved by England for their second new ball.
“I’m not alleging anything, but when we asked for the darker ball, we were told it was already selected by England,” an Indian team official said.
The process of selecting balls is typically overseen by the fourth umpire from the host nation, who brings a box of balls to the dressing rooms before play begins. However, Indian officials have raised questions about the lack of neutral oversight, pointing out that the match referee—meant to be the impartial authority—is not present during ball selection.
“The right thing would be to have this ball selection in the match referee’s room and not in the dressing room with only the local umpire present,” the official added.
India’s grievances go beyond just pre-match ball selection. During the third Test at Lord’s, the Indian team asked for a replacement after the match ball lost shape just 10 overs into England’s innings. However, the replacement provided was reportedly 30-35 overs old, instead of being matched in wear and tear as per ICC protocol.
The change significantly altered the momentum of the match. At the time, India had England in deep trouble at 271/7, with Jasprit Bumrah picking up three key wickets in quick succession. However, the replacement ball didn’t swing as effectively, and England’s Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse capitalized by scoring half-centuries, helping England recover to 355. India eventually lost the Test by 22 runs on the final day.
“Check the scoreboard to see how the game changed after that. The bowlers lost their swing, and England scored with ease,” the official said.
The Indian side has reportedly communicated its concerns to the ICC match referee and has called for changes in the rules regarding ball replacement transparency. Officials say teams are not informed about the age of the replacement ball, which could lead to significant match impact if the replacement is much older.
“When we asked for a ball change, we weren’t told that the replacement would be 30-35 overs old. Had we known, we might have continued with the deformed ball,” an official stated. “The ICC needs to intervene. This rule must be changed.”
With just one match left in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, the debate over ball selection and the fairness of procedures has added further tension to an already intense contest.
