Amid massive outrage, ICC issues clarification over England’s ball change during 5th Ashes Test

Australia believe that due to this ball change, the momentum shifted toward England, eventually paving the way for their win.

Amid massive outrage, ICC issues clarification over England’s ball change during 5th Ashes Test

Ball change during 5th Ashes (Images via Twitter)

There was massive outrage on Twitter and even some greats of the game were unhappy when England changed the ball during the fourth day of the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval in London. Australia believe that due to this ball change, the momentum shifted toward England, eventually paving the way for their win.

After 34 overs, England wanted to change the ball against the wishes of Australia. The Aussies complained that the new ball undoubtedly will be harder and shinier. Aussie greats Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath were furious over England’s decision. Ponting said one can’t say the two balls were similar just by looking at them.

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Amidst the massive outrage, the International Cricket Council (ICC) broke its silence, albeit, it said, it can’t comment on decisions made by the umpire. “The ICC does not comment on the decisions taken by umpires in matches. We can, however, confirm that all balls are pre-selected before the start of every match and when the situation calls for it, the match officials choose the ball that is closest to the condition of the ball that is being replaced,” said a spokesperson of the ICC.

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England won the fifth Test 

Amid massive outrage, ICC issues clarification over England's ball change during 5th Ashes series
Ashes (Image via Twitter)

Australia were in a comfortable position on Day 4 but, many expressed their concern that the new ball helped the hosts to pick the wickets quickly. Australia eventually lost the match by 49 runs.

England lost the first two matches but they clinched the third one and the fifth one. The fourth Test ended in a draw due to rain. And even though Australia failed to win a series since 2001 in England, they did take home the Ashes urn.

Next, England’s Test team will be playing against India next year in a five-match series. Australia’s next Test assignment is against Pakistan from December 14 this year, after the ODI World Cup and five-match T20I series against India.

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