India, July 17 -- The Dukes ball has become one of the more unexpected talking points in the five-match series between India and England. What began as quiet complaints about its quality has now become a full-blown debate. Both teams, especially India, have made their frustration clear over how the ball is behaving. Three matches in, and its shape and condition have been discussed almost as much as the players themselves.

India's frustration boiled over during the third Test at Lord's when their appeal for a change of ball on Day 2 was denied. The moment, caught on cameras, captured the visible anger in the Indian camp. While the visitors believed the ball had lost shape and was impacting play, not everyone seemed to agree. In fact, form...