India, July 31 -- India's team management has reportedly expressed strong reservations about the ball-change protocol during the ongoing Test series in England, alleging it tilted the balance of the match at Lord's in favour of the hosts. The Indian team management also believed England were given 'preferential treatment' while choosing the balls, and the issue has been officially raised with the ICC match referee, according to The Indian Express, with India calling for a relook at the rules that allow a much older ball to be handed over in place of a relatively new one.

Controversy erupted during England's first innings in the third Test at Lord's when the second new ball used by India went out of shape just 10 overs in. While the rules...