India, July 12 -- The quality and consistency of the Dukes ball has become one of the most disruptive themes in this Test series, with players and pundits alike expressing concern over its wear and behaviour. While the second new ball is usually expected to assist seamers, multiple instances across matches have shown teams requesting replacements far earlier than anticipated, either due to the ball going soft, losing shape, or simply behaving unpredictably.

For bowlers banking on control, reverse swing, or bounce off the surface, the lack of uniformity has proven frustrating, leading to frequent interruptions in play.

On Day 3 at Lord's, play came to a halt yet again as England requested a ball change mid-session. With drinks already ha...