Former India Test skipper Anil Kumble wants cricket laws lifted to allow saliva to shine the ball and restore the Duke’s ball’s quality. As the third Test between England and India at Lord’s Cricket Ground continues, cricket fans are more concerned about the Dukes ball.
During England’s first innings on Day 2, the Shubman Gill-led team had to change the ball twice in 10 overs due to wear and shape loss, an uncommon and disturbing trend in Test cricket. Umpires checked the hoop, but balls didn’t go through. Players and pundits questioned Duke’s current ball quality due to frequent ball adjustments.
Anil Kumble says the balls softening soon worries him. The Indian cricket team’s top wicket-taker said changing the ball too often hurts the sport.
It’s fair that the ball is growing soft or needs to be changed because it’s out of shape too often. Something must be done.
Anil Kumble told ESPNcricinfo that changing the ball every 10 overs is bad for cricket and the ball.
“I guess it is fair that you bring back what is available from five years ago,” he added, supporting requests to bring back the Duke’s ball, known for its longevity and steady swing.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) should relax the prohibition on saliva to shine the ball, which was imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains in effect for international matches, Anil Kumble suggested.
The former India head coach remarked, “That’ll certainly help — shine the ball better and make it reverse at least.” “Today, the ball rarely reverses, especially in these conditions.”
The Lord’s Test’s dry surfaces and hot temperatures should enhance reverse swing, but the ball is losing form quickly, so it hasn’t.
Many current and past fast bowlers hailed the BCCI’s saliva ban lift during the 2025 IPL.
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