IND vs ENG: 'Essence of the game goes missing' - Shubman Gill slams Dukes ball, flat pitches despite record run-scoring spree
NEW DELHI: India captain
Shubman Gill
may be rewriting the record books with nearly 600 runs in just four innings this series, but the young skipper has voiced strong concerns over the fast-deteriorating quality of the Dukes ball and the unresponsive nature of English pitches so far.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Speaking after India's resounding 336-run win over England in the second Test at Edgbaston - his maiden win as Test captain - Gill was forthright about the challenges facing bowlers in the series.
Poll
Do you agree with Shubman Gill's assessment of the Dukes ball quality?
Yes, it needs improvement.
No, it's fine as it is.
'It is very difficult for the bowlers,' said Gill.
'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 the wickets or the ball.
But it's very difficult to get a wicket in such conditions when there's nothing there.'
'Any attack of ours can take 20 wickets anywhere': Shubman Gill hails Mohd Siraj, Akash Deep after historic Edgbaston win
The Dukes ball, traditionally known for its durability and seam movement, has come under scrutiny for losing shape and hardness after just 30 overs - a concern raised by multiple players in recent years.
Gill lamented how the lack of assistance from both the pitch and ball reduces strategic depth in the game: 'If the ball is doing something, then you can plan something in some way, and then it is fun to play,' he said.
'If only the first 20 overs matter and after that you're just defending all day, then the essence of the game goes missing.'
On the flat surface, Gill scored 269 and 161 at Edgbaston, but insists such pitches reduce the competitiveness of Test cricket. He added with a laugh: 'Like we play in India, most pitches are friendly. It feels good to come here and get good pitches for a while.'
Looking ahead to the third Test at Lord's, starting July 10, Gill isn't expecting another road: 'I don't think they will give such a flat wicket. But we'll assess it and decide the best possible combination.'
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
Steve Kerr gives touching farewell to Kevon Looney following his departure from Golden State Warriors
Steve Kerr and Kevon Looney. Image via:|After nearly a decade of quiet dominance, Kevon Looney's time with the Golden State Warriors has officially come to an end. The three-time NBA champion center signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason, bringing a close to one of the franchise's most underappreciated yet impactful runs. As the news became public, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shared a heartfelt tribute. The farewell message from the head coach captured Looney's contributions on the court alongside his legacy within the locker room. Steve Kerr sends a heartfelt farewell message to veteran Kevon Looney In a farewell video posted by the Warriors on social media, Kerr addressed Looney directly and emotionally. 'Hey, Loon. Just want to say thank you,' Kerr began. 'This is a tough one. Ten years. It's just been an amazing experience for me to coach you. Just your professionalism, your dignity, your class, the way you handled yourself, the way you mentor your young teammates. And of course, the championship contributions that you've made, year after year. " 'We can't thank you enough. I can't thank you enough. Thrilled for your opportunity in New Orleans. But wow, we are going to miss you. So, thank you for everything you've done for me, for our staff, for our team, for the Bay. You are the absolute best, Loon.' Looney's journey in the Golden State was not always easy. Drafted 30th overall in 2015, he played just five games in his rookie year after surgeries on both hips. But he never quit. By the 2021-22 season, Looney had earned the nickname 'Iron Man Loon' after playing all 82 games, and it was a feat he repeated the following season. That 2021-22 campaign saw him averaging over six points and seven rebounds while helping lead the Warriors to their fourth title of the decade, and his third. In a deeply personal essay for The Players' Tribune, Looney expressed gratitude and peace with his departure. 'Not every ending has gotta be a sad ending,' he wrote. 'I'm leaving the Bay with a huge smile on my face. Thank you for the ride.' Reflecting on his tenure, he added: 'Throughout my 10 years with Golden State, there was never a second when I wanted to be anything other than a Warrior.' Also Read: Orlando Magic lock in Paolo Banchero with five-year deal worth up to $287 million Now in New Orleans, Looney is expected to bring veteran leadership to a young frontcourt that includes Zion Williamson, Yves Missi, and Derik Queen. But no matter where he goes next, a part of Looney's heart and legacy will remain rooted in the Bay Area. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Jordan Clarkson signs $3.6M deal with New York Knicks after the Utah Jazz buyout
(Image Source - Getty Images) The New York Knicks have taken the turn around. There is change happening, or more to the point there is change once Jordan Clarkson, one of the NBA most exciting third unit scorers is on board along with Mike Brown going to send the system in a spin. There was no tweaking in this summer. It was to make inefficiencies as weapons. And on top of it, they got Clarkson and Yabusele and a new vision of coaching, so the Knicks are looking deeper, sharper and hungrier than ever. Coach Mike Brown in charge, bench scoring overhaul underway This summer, the Knicks didn't waste any time in reshaping their roster. They added Jordan Clarkson, a solid spark off the bench, which helped them fix a major flaw—bench production—that affected them in the 2024‑25 postseason. Clarkson averaged a notable 16.2 points with Utah last season, even with some missed games due to plantar fasciitis and a career-low shooting percentage of 40.8 percent. Nevertheless, his reputation as a microwave scorer is still strong: he's racked up more bench points than anyone else in the last five years. With Clarkson's arrival, Mike Brown has been hired as the head coach. He officially takes charge with the task of improving an offense that was stagnant under Tom Thibodeau, aiming for more ball movement and a higher frequency of 3-point shots. Brown will lead a team that features Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns, along with the newly acquired Guerschon Yabusele. The leadership is focused on achieving a good balance between star players and essential depth. The Knicks have made some smart financial decisions. They brought in Clarkson for a veteran's minimum and used the taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Yabusele for two years at $12 million, spending under $8 million to boost their rotation. Now, they're just below the second salary cap apron, which leaves room for a couple of veteran minimum signings to finalize their 14-man roster. Also Read: Indiana Pacers confirm Tyrese Haliburton will miss 2025–26 NBA season after torn achilles in game 7 loss With Clarkson delivering quick points, Yabusele offering size and shooting ability, and Brown gearing up to transform the approach, the Knicks have established a foundation for a deeper, more dynamic squad. The Eastern Conference powerhouse is clearly showing it's not content with just being good—it's reaching for greatness. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
India.com
32 minutes ago
- India.com
KL Rahul drops catch, then subtly blames Ravindra Jadeja quick over rate, here's what the replays revealed
KL Rahul proved how Ravindra Jadeja was responsible behind the former putting down a sitter at slip. New Delhi: An Indian bowling group without Jasprit Bumrah took all 20 wickets and propelled Shubman Gill led side to a dominant win to draw up the series, after a thumping one-sided win against England leveled the five-match series. In Edgbaston, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Prasidh Krishna stepped up and India convincingly won the game by 336 runs against Ben Stokes-led England. It was a day to remember for Akash Deep and Shubman Gill, who came out as the most standout players in the comprehensive victory of the visitors. The most impressive star with the bat was Shubman Gill, who scored a whopping 430 runs in the game, 269 runs in the first innings and 161 in the second innings. In the stipulated time, Akash Deep made a mark with the ball as he managed to take ten wickets in total including a remarkable six-wicket haul in the second innings. Even though Ravindra Jadeja did not take a lot of wickets, he was just as important as he held the flow of runs and put constant pressure on English batters. Jadeja's impressive performance Jadeja relentlessly invaded the rough areas, to make survival hard for English batters. When India were inching closer towards a win and only required two wickets, he almost dismissed Brydon Carse but KL Rahul dropped a catch at slips in a manner that denied Jadeja the wicket he so richly deserved. Jadeja bowled the third delivery of the 57th over on a length outside leg stump. The ball turned sharply and Brydon Carse was taken by surprise, back-footing again in trying to make a defence. An outside edge was next when it sailed low to slip-side of KL Rahul. But alas, Rahul responded just a second too late, and wasted the chance – much to the dismay of the Indian camp. Why KL Rahul is not responsible for the dropped catch But, replay had quickly shown that KL Rahul was still adjusting the field just before Jadeja released the ball. The quick pace of over-rate of the left-arm spinner was something that even his team-mate must not have expected and thus the hastiness of the same which thus led to the dropped catch. KL Rahul could be observed gesturing to one of the fielder on legside asking him to come closer to avert a single. By doing that, he lost focus momentarily; at the same time Jadeja was hurling himself in to deliver the ball; all this helped make him late to react and the catch was missed. 'KL Rahul was actually managing the field, and Jadeja just took off. Jadeja is sometimes too quick for the batter. This time, too quick for the fielder. I think that expression says it all,' said Raunak Kapoor on air for JioHotstar.
