Veteran England batter Joe Root has proposed that each team be allowed up to three opportunities to replace the Dukes ball within 80 overs of a Test innings. His suggestion comes in the wake of ongoing controversy over the Dukes ball frequently losing shape and becoming too soft.
Root, who resumed on 99 not out on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test against India, reached his century before being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah for 104. England posted a total of 387 in their first innings, while India ended the day at 145/3.
Despite an evenly contested day between both sides, the spotlight remained on the recurring issues with the Dukes ball. Notably, the second new ball taken by India was replaced after just 10.3 overs. Even the replacement failed to satisfy the Indian team and had to be switched again after only 48 deliveries.
Another ball change after 42 deliveries. The first ball was changed after 63 deliveries. Not the best advertisement for Dukes. pic.twitter.com/uD5ImMVMAo
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) July 11, 2025
During the post-Day 2 press conference at Lord’s, Joe Root was questioned about the ongoing issue that has impacted both teams in the Test series. Sharing his thoughts on the matter, the England veteran offered a suggestion (as reported by ESPNcricinfo):
“I personally think that if you want to keep getting the ball changed then each team gets three challenges every 80 overs and that’s it, if you want to get it changed. But the rings have to be the right size, not too big.”
“That would be a nice way of compromising and saying it’s not all on the manufacturer. Sometimes these things happen but you can’t just keep asking and wasting time and slowing the game down at the same time,” he added.
The cricket ball should be like a fine wicket keeper. Barely noticed. We are having to talk about the ball too much because it is such an issue & being changed virtually every innings. Unacceptable. Feels like it’s been 5 years now.
Dukes have a problem. They need to fix it. A…— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) July 11, 2025
“Just Get On With It” – Joe Root Plays Down Dukes Ball Controversy
Root acknowledged that he doesn’t know much about the technical aspects of the Dukes ball, other than it being handmade. However, he noted that the unusually hot weather this summer has been unlike typical English conditions. The 34-year-old urged players not to overreact to the situation, stating:
“It’s one of those things where if the balls are going out of shape, you change them and you don’t make a big deal out of it. I don’t think it’s the end of the world. I think it adds a different dynamic to the game and you’ve got to be skillful enough to adapt to the changes, whether it stops swinging or starts swinging or does a little bit more.”
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