The entirety of the fifth Test was dominated by England, who put Australia in danger going into the fourth innings. Although the tourists faced a challenging 384-run goal, they appeared to be on track to do so due to openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja. Together, the two lefties amassed 140 runs for the first wicket. But in the course of two overs, both of them were removed.
On Day 5, the umpires felt that there was a problem with the ball after the two openers resumed batting, so they replaced it before a rain break. Notably, if the umpires think the ball is in an inappropriate condition, they alter it. However, they swap out the ball for another that is nearly the same number of overs old. The replacement ball used on Day 5 of the fifth Test in London, according to the Australian media and many experts, was more fresh and harder. Social media also saw the emergence of certain images in which the difference was clear.
The World Test Champions found it difficult to deal with the swing and seam as the ball started to move around. The questionable ball switch, according to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, was a “huge moment” in the game and warranted more examination.
“The biggest worry I have is the significant difference in the quality of the ball selected to replace it. Ponting told Sky Sports, “There is no way in the world you can even look at those two balls there and conclude in any way they are comparable.
“That is a crucial point in this game, and possibly the Test match as well. And another item that I believe has to be looked at. The [old] ball would not have accomplished nearly as much as that one did this morning, I’ll put my hand up and declare without a shadow of a doubt.
The grapes that English fans flung towards Ricky Ponting
For those who are unaware, Ponting had previously lost his cool during the fifth Ashes Test at Kennington Oval. Ponting was discussing how things turned out after Day 1’s play concluded when he received some grapes thrown at him from spectators. The renowned cricketer was naturally annoyed by the unusual situation and expressed this live, saying that he would not mind catching those responsible.
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