Former England pacer Stuart Broad joined the chorus of criticism, slamming the Dukes ball for its poor quality used for the five-match Test series between England and India, and voiced his displeasure over the ball not lasting the full 80 overs in a day, following which the fielding team can opt to get a second new ball. Broad reckoned that there has been too much chatter of late about the ball, and it just goes on to vindicate the point made by many that there is an issue with the Dukes, which he finds 'unacceptable'.

"The cricket ball should be like a fine wicket-keeper. Barely noticed. We are having to talk about the ball too much because it is such an issue & being changed virtually every innings. Unacceptable. Feels like it’s been 5 years now. Dukes have a problem. They need to fix it. A ball should last 80 overs. Not 10," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Earlier, India captain Shubman Gill and pacer Mohammed Siraj weren't happy with the ball that was given to them by the umpires after they had requested to change it. The umpires gave in to India's request after the ball failed the mandatory hoop test, but the replacement ball provided to the Indian team was nowhere close to the ball that went out of shape and had to be replaced after only 10.4 overs. India took the second new ball minutes before the close of play on the first day of the Lord's Test.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar wasn't pleased either with the replacement ball that was given to India and voiced his displeasure while doing commentary for Sony Sports Network.

"Even from here you can see that is not a 10-over old ball, that is like a 20-over old ball," he said on air.

"This is a 10-over old ball? Seriously?" Siraj was heard saying in the stump mic as well.