India’s dominant start on Day 2 at Lord’s quickly turned into a tale of frustration and missed opportunities after a controversial ball change allowed England to claw their way back — prompting sharp criticism from former England fast bowler Steve Harmison.
India were in complete control early in the session thanks to a devastating spell from Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed the key wickets of Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Chris Woakes in quick succession. Root, who resumed the day on 99*, completed his 37th Test century with a boundary off the first ball but was soon cleaned up by Bumrah with a stunning delivery that nipped back in and hit the stumps. Moments earlier, Stokes had been bowled by a similar beauty, and Woakes edged his very first delivery to Dhruv Jurel, leaving England struggling at 271/7.
However, the match took a dramatic turn when Mohammed Siraj requested a ball change without consulting Bumrah, who was generating lethal movement with the old ball. The umpires approved the change — but the replacement failed to offer the same swing or bite.
Steve Harmison, speaking on JioHotstar, strongly criticised the decision:
“I’ve got no sympathy for India at all. Why change it? Jasprit Bumrah got it swinging around the corners. Mohammed Siraj didn’t even throw the ball to Bumrah, didn’t ask his opinion. When he asked for the ball to be changed, the ball was doing a lot.”
“The ball was doing all sorts. They just picked up three wickets, and then it was an absolute implosion. Gill stopped trying to get Jamie Smith out, put all the fielders out. All of a sudden, you’ve now got the older ball… I do agree the ball was a lot older than the one they replaced. Within 10 minutes, they got from bowling England out for 320 to now potentially England getting 400.”
“That’s why I’ve a pretty little sympathy with India. They should’ve never done that.”
Harmison wasn’t just critical of the ball change — he also took aim at Shubman Gill’s on-field captaincy, questioning his defensive tactics after India’s strong start.
💬 Momentum Shift: Jamie Smith Cashes In
The decision clearly hurt India. England’s Jamie Smith, who had been dropped early on 5, went on to complete a solid half-century, remaining unbeaten on 51 at lunch, while Brydon Carse contributed a valuable 33 not out*. The duo stitched together an 82-run stand, frustrating the Indian bowlers and dragging England back into the contest.
India, who were eyeing a quick wrap-up around 320, now faced the prospect of England pushing beyond 400 — all due to a questionable tactical decision.