Stuart Broad defends England’s act of keeping ball under their shoes at Lord’s

The second Test between England and India at Lord’s is currently in progress with both the teams trying to gain an upper hand. After India posted 364 runs in the first innings on the back of KL Rahul‘s 129, the hosts responded strongly scoring 391 runs. Joe Root was the hero for them hitting his second century in as many innings and remaining unbeaten on 180.

The fourth day’s play witnessed tempers flare as well two of the top cricketers in Virat Kohli and James Anderson. And now the Test match is being talked about the most on social media after pictures emerged of England players keeping the red ball under their shoes. The spikes of the shoes can potentially change the condition of the ball.

Even former India cricketer Aakash Chopra raised concerns over the same on Twitter asking if ball-tampering is happening at Lord’s. The pictures didn’t take much time to go viral as the Indian fans felt the umpires should’ve looked into the matter and if needed, change the ball.

Stuart Broad gives his views on the matter

Stuart Broad also came across the pictures and a tweet that questioned the on-field umpires’ role in the matter. The pace bowler responded to the tweet stating that the umpires only change the ball if it is damaged with the players’ actions on the field. He also reckoned that the ball shouldn’t be changed after being hit into the stands if it didn’t make a mark.

Depends If it was damaged? Exactly the same if it was hit into the stands. If it didn’t make a mark, why change it ?

— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) August 15, 2021

As far as Stuart Broad is concerned, he played in the first Test and then sustained a calf injury just before the Lord’s Test eventually getting ruled out of the five-match series. He is currently enjoying the match from his home and is active on social media giving his views on different topics.