Legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting has raised concerns and called for an investigation into the controversial change of ball during the final day of the fifth Ashes Test at Kennington Oval, London. As Australia chased a daunting target of 384, they witnessed a dramatic collapse from 264-3 to 334 all out, leading to a series draw of 2-2. The pivotal moment came when England’s Mark Wood delivered a bouncer that hit Usman Khawaja on the helmet in the 37th over.
Umpires Joel Wilson and Kumar Dharmasena decided to replace the ball, citing that it had gone out of shape. However, suspicions arose when the replacement ball appeared newer than the previous one. This sudden change coincided with the loss of key wickets, including Khawaja, David Warner, and Marnus Labuschagne, derailing Australia’s chase.
Ricky Ponting, commentating for Sky Sports, expressed his doubts about the replacement ball, pointing out the stark contrast in conditions between the two Dukes’ balls. He emphasized the importance of the change, stating that the bowling conditions on Day 4 and Day 5 were significantly different due to the replacement ball.
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“This is a complete contrast to what we saw bowling conditions-wise yesterday. It has got to be this change of ball. There was absolutely nothing happening. Australia dominated. Totally different this morning, that’s for sure,” Ricky Ponting commented.
Calling it a crucial moment in the game, Ricky Ponting demanded an investigation into the controversial ball change. He expressed disbelief that experienced international umpires could make such a significant mistake.
“I just cannot fathom how two international umpires that have done that a lot of times can actually get that so wrong. That is a huge moment in this game, potentially a huge moment in the Test match and something that I think actually has to be investigated,” he added.
Former England batter Mark Butcher shared similar sentiments, believing that the replacement ball had a substantial impact on the game. “This ball change has made an enormous difference. The (new ball) looked brand-spanking new,” Butcher stated.
Former Australian cricketer Callum Ferguson was even more critical, describing the decision to introduce a new ball at that stage of the game as disgraceful.
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“I think it is actually disgraceful they have allowed a ball this new into the game at the stage they did. It made it very difficult. Those two balls are so, so different. That’s almost a new ball. They might as well unwrap a new one. I find it staggering they ended up with that ball,” Callum Ferguson expressed.
The controversy surrounding the change of ball has sparked discussions among cricket fans and experts, with many questioning its impact on the outcome of the thrilling Ashes series.
