Shubman Gill criticizes Dukes balls despite Edgbaston Test win

The visitors closed in on an iconic victory in Birmingham as England lost the second Test by 336 runs. The Edgbaston Test marked India's first-ever Test win in Birmingham. Moreover, the win in the second India vs England Test by the guests is now etched as India's biggest overseas victory by margin of runs. The fixture fared exceptionally well for the Indian skipper, Shubman Gill, and pacers Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. Despite Jasprit Bumrah not playing the match, India easily cornered Bazball into submission, delivering a mighty blow to the hosts. However, the Indian captain remained critical of the conditions in England following the win.

Following the win in Birmingham, Shubman Gill voiced concerns over the deteriorating quality of Dukes balls. While the team levelled the series 1-1, Gill rued the minimal support bowlers are receiving in the ongoing India vs England series. Fresh off India’s dominant 336-run triumph in the Edgbaston Test, his maiden victory as India's Test captain, Gill warned that the current conditions are undermining the very spirit of Test cricket. Despite amassing close to 600 runs in just four innings, the Indian captain stressed that pitches and equipment must be more bowler-friendly to maintain a fair balance between bat and ball.

"It is very difficult for the bowlers. I think more than the wicket, maybe the ball is out of shape very quickly. It gets soft very quickly. I don't know what it is, whether it is wickets or whatever. It is difficult for the bowlers. It is very difficult to get a wicket in such conditions, when there is nothing there," Gill said. 

Furthermore, the Indian skipper openly critiqued the Dukes ball, long regarded as a hallmark of English Test cricket for its swing and seam. According to him, the latest batch of balls loses its potency far too early, often pushing bowlers onto the back foot and stifling attacking strategies. The 24-year-old highlighted that when the ball ceases to aid bowlers beyond the initial 20 overs, it strips the game of its tactical richness and reduces the competitive edge.

"And as a team, when you know that it is difficult to get a wicket, when you know that it is difficult to get a wicket in such conditions, a lot of things are out of your control. There should be a little help for the bowlers. If the ball is doing something, then you can plan something in some way, and then it is fun to play," Gill said.

"If you know that only the first 20 overs or something will happen, after that you are on the defensive all day, you are thinking all day about how to stop the runs. Then the essence of the game comes out of it," he added.

The proceedings will now move to Lord's for the third India vs England Test. Shubman Gill has confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will join the attack for the Lord's fixture. England, meanwhile, announced the squad for the third Test. The hosts have called up Gus Atkinson in the attack, who was initially sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Moreover, Jofra Archer also remains available for selection at Lord's.