ENG vs Indian: Alastair Cook mocks the pitching over the persistent requirements of the ball change

Former English captain Alastair Cook considered a humorously growing debate around the Dukes ball in the ongoing test series of five matches between England and India. While the field action was convincing, a large part of the discussion outside the field was spinning around the shape and state of the ball.

After England’s dramatic victory in Lord’s, which gave them a 2-1 in series, Cook took a playful blow to the pitch for the need to blame the ball when things were wrong.

“I just like how the pitcher always moans,” Cook said with a smile on the BBC Sport. “It’s as if missile a bad ball and it’s never their fault. If they disappear on a bad ball, scratching the sidewalk, look at the ball and accuse shape.”

Cook’s notes come in the middle of the growing control of the Duke ball throughout the series. During the third test, Indian players were visibly frustrated when the judges refused their request on the day 2. The day of the ball change, which led to the debate of his performance. On several occasions, the players could see the ball examining and discussed his field behavior.

Nevertheless, Cook acknowledged that the condition of the ball could affect — partly for the dough.

“I think Batsman would rather hit a little heavier ball,” he added. “Nothing worse than playing beautiful cover units like I used to be, and it doesn’t go anywhere.”

While Cook maintained the tone of light, others reacted more critical. Former English captain Nasser Hussain killed repeated requests for India to change the ball in the third test and called it “one of the most bizarre decisions”, especially with regard to how much the ball was swinging at that time.

“I can’t find out why you would like to change the ball that was doing a lot,” Hussain said during the broadcast. “It didn’t make much sense.”

This problem added another layer to an already fascinating series, where conditions, momentum and tactical approaches have been constantly shifted. Some argue that the shape and condition of the ball has indeed influenced the results of conformity. Others believe it has become a comfortable apology when they do not reach the plans.

When the series moves to Old Trafford for the fourth test 23. July, India must win to stay alive. Whether the ball will become a speech point again, it is necessary to see-but it is clear that the Dukes have already created their brand in this series, literally and figuratively.

And if you ask Alastair Cook, some of the stir could be just pitchcraft who dodge guilty-one full throwing at once.

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Published:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

July 17, 2025