During Day 3 of the third India‑England Test at Lord’s earlier this month, a major controversy erupted when the second new ball was replaced not once—but twice in the morning session. India lodged a formal protest, claiming the second replacement was 30–35 overs old, rather than the expected 10‑over‑old ball, severely disadvantaging their fast bowlers .

India officials argued that the older, softer ball offered far less swing—data showing average swing dropped from ~1.869° with the original to ~0.855° with the replacement - impacting Jasprit Bumrah’s wicket burst and shifting momentum to England. Indian captain Shubman Gill was visibly upset on-field, repeatedly discussing the issue with umpires, while vice‑captain Rishabh Pant harshly criticized the ball’s quality in earlier episodes of the series.

Team India has asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to review the ball‑change rules and ensure the replacement procedure is transparent and fair, particularly regarding the age and condition of substituted cricket balls.