Lord’s Farce: Ball Tampering Controversy Stalls India-England Test
Former England cricketer Ian Ward has slammed the “ridiculous” ball change that brought an unprecedented halt to play during the third Test match between India and England at Lord’s on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The incident, occurring in the first session of Day 3, caused significant disruption to the game.
Ward, speaking to reporters after the match, expressed his strong disapproval of the situation. He questioned the decision-making process that led to such a lengthy delay, highlighting its negative impact on the flow of the game.
The controversy centered around a seemingly unwarranted change of the cricket ball, leading to heated discussions between umpires, players, and match officials. The exact reasons behind the delay remain unclear, fueling speculation about potential ball-tampering allegations.
This incident raises serious concerns about the integrity of the game and the need for clear, consistent protocols regarding ball changes in international cricket. The impact on the match’s momentum and the overall spectator experience cannot be ignored. Such controversies undermine the credibility of the sport and need immediate attention from governing bodies. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will likely investigate the matter thoroughly.
