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The third match of the five-match Test series between India and England will be played at Lord’s from July 10 to 14. Before the third match, vice-captain Rishabh Pant has expressed concern about the ball used in the match. Criticizing the quality of the Dukes ball being used in this Test series, he said on Wednesday that he has never seen the red ball deteriorate to this extent.

The shape of the Dukes ball is deteriorating, due to which players are regularly going to the umpires in this series and demanding a change of the ball. After the ball has become soft, the bowlers are not getting any help from it, due to which the batsman-bowler contest is mainly limited to the new ball. Before the Test starting at Lord’s, Pant said that the ball has become a big problem and it is not good for the game.

Pant said in the pre-match press conference that the gauge to measure the balls (be it Dukes or Kookaburra) should be the same. But it would have been better if it was smaller (laughs). The balls are causing a lot of trouble. Of course I think it is a big problem because the shape of the ball is deteriorating.

The size of the ball is getting worse

He said that the shape of the ball is deteriorating a lot. This has never happened to me before. It is definitely disturbing for the players because every ball plays differently. When it becomes soft, sometimes there is no movement. But as soon as the ball changes, there is enough help. As a batsman, you have to keep adjusting to it. But at the same time I think it is not good for cricket anyway.

India chose two spinners and three fast bowlers in their playing XI for the Edgbaston Test and won the match by 336 runs. The Lord’s pitch is expected to pose a tough challenge to the batsmen. Pant did not confirm whether India will play two spinners or not. When you look at the wicket for two days, sometimes its colour changes, the moisture also reduces.

Gill also complained about the ball

Captain Shubman Gill also complained about the ball being soft after the Edgbaston Test. On the speculation about the Lord’s pitch after two flat pitches, Pant said that he is not worried about how the surface will behave. We have no problem with whatever situation we are given. We don’t want to think about what the opposing team is thinking. Are they changing their plans or not? Pant also feels that the short break between Edgbaston and Lord’s will help India maintain their rhythm.

Pant is one of the most cheerful players on the field and constantly gives advice to Gill. Talking about his relationship with the captain, Pant said that when there is a good friendship in the team, it eventually shows up on the field as well and that is exactly what is happening. Hopefully, we will be able to do the same with our entire team in the future as well. (With language input)