England demonstrated their resilience by securing a 49-run victory in the fifth Ashes Test match, leveling the series 2-2. However, this win was not without controversy, as Australian players raised concerns about England’s ball-changing tactic. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting pointed out a significant difference in the condition of the chosen ball.
“The biggest concern I have is the big disparity in the condition of the ball that was chosen. There’s no possible way to compare these two balls. This is a crucial moment in the game, potentially affecting the Test match outcome, and it should be investigated. The conditions were perfect for bowling this morning,” Ricky Ponting told Sky Sports.
Usman Khawaja and David Warner performed well against the old Duke’s ball, as it wasn’t swinging much. When the new ball was introduced, rain interrupted Day 4. On the final day, with the ball still new, England’s bowlers had more success and quickly dismissed both Usman Khwaja and David Warner.
Ball seemed like 8-overs old: Usman Khawaja
“As soon as they changed that ball, I immediately noticed a difference. I went up to umpire Kumar Dharmasena and asked, ‘How old is this ball? It feels like it’s eight overs old.’ The writing was visible on both sides, and it hit my bat hard. I’ve opened the batting in every innings of this Ashes series, and I haven’t felt a ball hit my bat this hard before. I warned the incoming batsmen, ‘Be careful, this new ball is going to be tricky,'” Usman Khawaja told Channel 9 after the match.
“Some things are beyond our control in this game, and it’s disappointing because we had a strong hold on the game. The ball was 90 overs old and still swinging around corners, with the keeper taking catches above his head. It really hurts. England has an excellent bowling attack, and if you give them an inch, they’ll take a mile,” Usman Khawaja added.