ENG vs IND 2025: ‘If it doesn’t last 10 overs, repeatedly changing the ball is not a good thing’ – Anil Kumble on ball controversy at Lord’s

Former India Test captain Anil Kumble has proposed changes to cricket regulations, such as eliminating the ban on using saliva to shine the ball and restoring the quality of the Duke’s ball. His remarks came amid mounting criticism in the ongoing third Test between England and India at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, where issues with the Dukes ball have piqued the interest of the cricketing world.

During England’s first innings on Day 2, the Shubman Gill-led team was obliged to change the ball twice in a 10-over stretch due to excessive wear and loss of form, an uncommon and concerning occurrence in Test cricket. The umpires checked with the hoop, but the balls would not pass through. The frequent ball swaps prompted players and observers to doubt the build quality of Duke’s current batch of balls.

Anil Kumble expressed concern at the balls becoming soft so rapidly.

The highest wicket-taker in international cricket for India stated that changing the ball too frequently is bad for the game.

“Yes, it is only reasonable that the ball is becoming soft or in need of replacement because it is becoming out of shape on a continuous and frequent basis. Clearly, something needs to be done. If it doesn’t last 10 overs, changing the ball too frequently isn’t good for cricket or the ball,” Kumble stated while addressing.

“I guess it is fair that you bring back what is available from five years ago,” he added, echoing calls to bring back the former version of the Duke’s ball, which was known for its longevity and steady swing.

In a related suggestion, Kumble urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to lift the ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball — a restriction implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and still in effect for international matches.

“That’ll certainly help — shine the ball better and make it reverse at least,” the former India head coach said. “Today, there aren’t many occasions where the ball reverses, especially in these conditions.”

He pointed to the dry surfaces and sultry weather during the Lord’s Test, suggesting such conditions should normally promote reverse swing, but noted that hasn’t been the case, primarily because the ball is losing shape quickly.

The BCCI lifted the saliva ban during the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and many current and former fast bowlers welcomed the decision.