The cricketing world was treated to both brilliance and bafflement on Day 3 of the third Test match between India and England at Lord’s. Amid intense competition and historic individual performances, controversy reared its head — and Ian Ward blasts hold-up in thrilling 3rd Test has now become the defining moment of the day. The issue? An unprecedented delay caused by yet another Dukes ball replacement.
Former cricketer and respected commentator Ian Ward didn’t mince words as he criticized the on-field delay stemming from the umpires’ decision to replace the ball after the drinks break. His frustration was shared by fans and experts alike as what should have been a smooth session of red-ball cricket descended into confusion.
Ball Drama Overshadows a Competitive Test
The Lord’s Test had already delivered drama on all fronts. Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery five-wicket haul, KL Rahul’s resistance, and Joe Root’s ton had the fans on their feet. But then came the ball change saga, throwing a spanner into the narrative of a thrilling encounter. As Ian Ward blasts hold-up in thrilling 3rd Test, it’s clear the momentum was momentarily stolen by administrative indecision.
The incident began shortly after the first drinks break on Day 3. Rather than use the interval to initiate the ball change process, the umpires inexplicably waited until play was supposed to resume. This led to a seven-minute delay that was not only unnecessary but damaging to the game’s rhythm.
Ian Ward Doesn’t Hold Back
Speaking on Sky Sports, Ian Ward called the delay “frankly ridiculous,” questioning the logic of the decision to initiate the ball change after the break instead of during it. Ian Ward blasts hold-up in thrilling 3rd Test with words that echoed what many fans and players were likely thinking.
“They have decided to change the ball again, it’s quite frankly ridiculous because if they’ve decided to change the ball, why was that not decided at the start of the drinks break?” Ward said.
“We waited for the entirety of the drinks break; they should be playing again now, and now the umpires have decided to change it and go through the procedure,” he added.
This statement from Ward was not just a critique—it was a reflection of the frustration that comes with witnessing the Test format, which already battles time and attention spans, being interrupted needlessly.
Ball Change Fiasco Not an Isolated Incident
This wasn’t the first ball change in the match, nor was it the last. The Dukes ball has come under increasing scrutiny in recent Test series due to its inconsistency. On Day 2, India complained about a ball that was just 10 overs old. Umpires tested it through the regulation hoop, but it failed to pass.
India captain Shubman Gill was visibly animated in his conversation with the umpires, voicing his displeasure over the replacement process. Even during the drinks break on Day 2, the tension around the Dukes ball was palpable. It was a recurring theme that affected not only play but also the players’ mindset.
48 deliveries later, the ball lost its shape again, prompting yet another change. Then, in the final session, England requested a change, but the ball passed the hoop test, allowing play to continue. These frequent interruptions took their toll on the game’s flow, and Ian Ward blasts hold-up in thrilling 3rd Test perfectly encapsulated the cumulative frustration.
Joe Root Offers a Sensible Compromise
Veteran batter Joe Root weighed in on the chaos, suggesting a practical solution that could limit unnecessary ball changes in future matches. According to Root:
“I personally think that if you want to keep getting the ball changed, then each team gets three challenges every 80 overs and that’s it.”
His idea introduces a system akin to DRS for ball changes, shifting some responsibility onto the teams and limiting arbitrary delays. He added:
“That would be a nice way of compromising and saying it’s not all on the manufacturer. Sometimes these things happen, but you can’t just keep asking and wasting time and slowing the game down.”
As Ian Ward blasts hold-up in thrilling 3rd Test, Root’s calm, solution-oriented tone provides a necessary contrast and points toward constructive change.
Dukes Ball Under Scrutiny Again
The Dukes ball has traditionally been prized for its seam and durability in English conditions. But the 2025 edition has been anything but reliable. Multiple teams across formats have voiced concern over its uneven quality and unpredictable behavior.
As this series unfolds, calls for a review of the manufacturing standards have grown louder. For the umpires and players alike, dealing with three ball changes in less than 150 overs of play is not sustainable. With Ian Ward blasts hold-up in thrilling 3rd Test, perhaps the urgency for reform will now be taken seriously.
Fans and Analysts Echo Ward’s Frustration
Social media lit up with support for Ward’s commentary. Many fans, already dismayed by slow over rates and extended breaks, found the ball change process an unnecessary disruption. Some analysts questioned whether the umpires lacked proper protocols or were simply too rigid in their application of rules.
What could have been a smooth continuation of a fiercely contested Test was instead paused, re-evaluated, and then cautiously restarted. In an era where Test cricket needs pace and momentum to maintain its audience, Ian Ward blasts hold-up in thrilling 3rd Test is a sentiment that resonates with stakeholders across the sport.
Consequences Beyond Lord’s
The implications of the ball change fiasco could extend beyond this match. The International Cricket Council (ICC) may be compelled to assess how balls are tested and approved for international matches. It also raises questions about match officiating and whether current practices align with the spirit of keeping the game flowing.
With so much on the line in every Test match—from championship points to historical records—small disruptions can have outsized effects. Ian Ward blasts hold-up in thrilling 3rd Test isn’t just a soundbite; it’s a wake-up call.
What Happens Next?
As the series continues, all eyes will be on the handling of similar situations. Will umpires adjust their approach to ball changes? Will the ICC or MCC take action to review the standards for Dukes balls? And will Ward’s comments prompt deeper introspection among cricket’s governing bodies?
One thing is certain: with Ian Ward blasts hold-up in thrilling 3rd Test, the pressure is now on those in charge to restore credibility and professionalism to what should be a seamless process.
Conclusion: A Day of Great Cricket and Greater Questions
The third Test at Lord’s has delivered in terms of skill, intensity, and historical milestones. But it’s also raised questions that can’t be ignored. While Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling brilliance earned him a place on the Lord’s Honours Board, the focus has shifted—at least briefly—to delays that shouldn’t exist at this level.
Ian Ward blasts hold-up in thrilling 3rd Test serves not only as a sharp critique of poor timing and mismanagement but also as a call for accountability. Cricket deserves better, and so do its players and fans. Perhaps now, the powers that be will finally listen.