'I don't want to get my match fees deducted...': Jasprit Bumrah on ball change controversy

Jasprit Bumrah refrained from making controversial comments about the frequent Dukes ball changes during the second day of the third Test against England at Lord's. The issue drew attention as multiple ball changes occurred throughout the day, with India's captain Shubman Gill engaging in heated discussions with the umpires over replacement balls.

The ball change saga began just a couple of overs into the day when India raised concerns about a 10-over-old Dukes ball. The umpire's attempt to put the ball through the hoop was unsuccessful, leading to a replacement.


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Gill was visibly upset during conversations with the umpire, including during the drinks break. Another ball change was required after 48 deliveries when the ball lost its shape.

England also requested a ball replacement in the final session, but the ball passed through the hoop test and remained in play.


When questioned about the repeated ball changes, Bumrah maintained a diplomatic stance. "The ball changes, I don't really control that. Obviously, I don't want to lose out on money because I work very hard and play a lot of overs. So, I don't want to say any controversial statements and get my match fees deducted. But we were bowling with the ball that we were given. And that's how it is. We can't change it. We can't fight it. Sometimes it goes your way. Sometimes you get a bad ball. That's how it is," he said.

Despite the ball change controversy and less than ideal conditions, Bumrah delivered an impressive performance, taking 5/74. His crucial dismissals on Day 2 included Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, and Joe Root, helping India gain an advantage.

After the opening day's play, Nitish Kumar Reddy had highlighted Bumrah's influence on the team, stating that they follow his guidance.



"Sir, first, that answer is a lie. He's not asked me anything. But the other thing is that these youngsters are very confident. And they don't need a lot of guidance or information. Whenever and whatever capacity they need me, I'm right there to help them out, and I share my experiences and what I learned in the previous tours over here," Bumrah said, jokingly, in response.

Bumrah also elaborated on his approach to mentoring younger players. "So that's how as simple as I am trying to keep them. I'm not trying to jump in into every conversation, give them too much information, try to tell them to do things like I do because that's not how it will work. Because my technique is different. My way of bowling is different, and my way of handling things will be different. And so it will be different for them. But if anything they require or any assistance they require, I try to help to the best of my capacity."
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