Watch: Rishabh Pant throws ball in frustration after umpiring controversy erupts

India vice-captain Rishabh Pant had a heated argument with the on-field umpire during the morning session on Day 3 of the current first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds. Pant was seen clearly agitated by the state of the Dukes ball and walked up to the umpire, asking him to check it. The umpire complied and passed the ball through the official gauge, but Pant’s concern was ultimately dismissed.

The incident took place during the 63rd over, while Ben Stokes and Harry Brook were at the crease. As seen in a now-viral video, Pant seemed displeased with the umpire’s response and, in frustration, threw the ball away after the conversation. His gesture highlighted India’s dissatisfaction with the ball condition during a key phase of the match when England was building a partnership.

Earlier in the day, both teams took the field wearing black armbands to honor former England fast bowler David Lawrence, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 61. A moment’s applause was also observed before the start of play on Day 3 in tribute to Lawrence, fondly known as ‘Syd.’

Tributes Pour In for Former England Pacer David Lawrence

David Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to represent England, played five Tests and one ODI between 1988 and 1992. He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2024 and had been battling the degenerative illness for over a year. The BCCI confirmed the tribute in a statement: “Both teams are wearing black armbands to pay their respects to former England Cricketer, David 'Syd' Lawrence, who has sadly passed away.”

Watch the video here

Rishabh Pant asked the umpire to change the ball, got denied and then threw it in frustration 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/F1A78XGwWV

— Sandy (@flamboypant) June 22, 2025

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Lawrence, a Gloucestershire legend, took 515 wickets in 185 First-Class matches and 155 wickets in 113 List A games. Famous for his hot pace, his international career was cut short by a dreadful kneecap injury in a Test against New Zealand in Wellington in 1992. In his later life, he wrote a book, Syd's Voice, to bring awareness about MND and continued to be involved in fundraising for patients suffering from the disease.