Ball Controversy In Leeds: Gill, Rahul, Siraj & Thakur Clash With Umpire, But No Response
Ball Controversy In Leeds: Gill, Rahul, Siraj & Thakur Clash With Umpire, But No Response
The final day of the first Test between India and England at Headingley has been filled with high tension — not just on the scoreboard, but also on the field. With both teams eyeing victory, intensity is at its peak. However, the Indian side expressed visible frustration with the umpires over the condition of the ball, leading to several complaints that were repeatedly dismissed.
England Starts Strong, India Faces Trouble
Chasing a target of 371, England resumed Day 5 at 21/0 and quickly shifted momentum in their favour. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley added over 100 runs within the first hour, putting India on the back foot. During this period, Indian bowlers noticed the ball losing shape and raised concerns.
Complaints Ignored — Until Jadeja Steps In
Mohammed Siraj, along with captain Shubman Gill, first approached the umpires — Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney — in the 14th over, asking for the ball to be replaced. The umpires tested it using the gauge ring, and since it passed, the request was denied.
The issue was raised again in the 22nd over, with Gill again protesting. This time, even KL Rahul was seen expressing displeasure. But the ball remained unchanged. It was only in the 27th over, after a complaint by Ravindra Jadeja, that the umpires finally agreed to replace the ball.
Later, when Shardul Thakur raised the same concern, the ball again passed the ring test and was not replaced. These repeated rejections left Indian players visibly upset.
.@imjadeja is all fired up as the umpire allows #TeamIndia a ball change! 🔄💥
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 24, 2025
Is a breakthrough around the corner? Will the next two sessions bring the wickets India needs? 👀#ENGvIND 1st Test Day 5 LIVE NOW Streaming on JioHotstar 👉 https://t.co/0K41uhrKJ5 pic.twitter.com/qKMYKc6gDl
Flashback to First Innings Incident
A similar incident had occurred earlier in the match, when Rishabh Pant requested a ball change in the first innings. The umpires denied the appeal, prompting an angry reaction from Pant, who threw the ball in frustration — an act that later earned him a warning from the ICC.
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