The gripping Ashes series between England and Australia took an unexpected turn with a controversial ball change during the fifth and final Test at the Oval. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who is also a commentator for the series, called for an investigation after he believed the replacement ball favored the England bowlers.
The contentious moment occurred late on Day Four when Australia appeared to be cruising at 126 for no loss. However, the umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Joel Wilson decided to change the ball in the 37th over after Australian opener Usman Khawaja was hit on the helmet by fast bowler Mark Wood. This sudden change of the ball’s condition stirred debate as it seemed to alter the dynamics of the match.
Post-match, Usman Khawaja expressed his surprise at the ball’s behavior, stating that the replacement ball was “very different” and had a harder impact on the bat. Australia ended Day Four with a solid score of 135 for no loss in 38 overs, but on the final day, they faced significant challenges, losing both David Warner and Usman Khawaja early in their pursuit of 384 runs. Despite their valiant efforts, England emerged victorious by 49 runs, leveling the series 2-2.
Ricky Ponting raised concerns over the discrepancy between the original ball and its replacement, questioning the wisdom of the umpires’ decision. He emphasized that when changing the ball, it should closely resemble the one being replaced. The visuals shared by Sky Sports Cricket’s Twitter handle showcased the stark contrast between the two balls, with the replacement appearing newer and shinier.
“The conditions were better for bowling this morning. But what I saw last night, that ball there, I’ll put my hand up and say I’ve got absolutely no doubt at all that that ball would not have done anywhere near as much as what that one did this morning. Double the amount of movement this morning from yesterday afternoon, seam movement and swing. I think it’s a huge blunder that needs to be investigated,” Ponting remarked during the lunch break.
The former Australian skipper’s concerns have sparked calls for an investigation into the matter, as the change of ball seemed to significantly influence the outcome of the Test match. Ponting questioned whether the right conditions of balls were available or if the umpires made an arbitrary choice.
As the cricketing world debates the controversial ball change, the focus remains on the performance of both teams throughout the series. With fresh perspectives and revelations from key figures like Ricky Ponting, the Ashes series continues to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
