“Didn’t know the rules for second new ball had changed”- Fans accuse England of CHEATING as hosts get almost a new ball to replace an out-of-shape ball in 5th Test

England claimed three wickets after they changed the ball.


“Didn’t know the rules for second new ball had changed”- Fans accuse England of CHEATING as hosts get almost a new ball to replace an out-of-shape ball in 5th Test

Old ball on left, new ball on right (Image via Sky Sports Twitter)

The final day of the fifth Ashes Test is underway with Australia chasing a massive 384 in the fourth innings. As the fourth day was almost washed out, Australia have the monumental job of chasing the target. While the visitors ended Day 4 on top after scoring 135 for no loss, Australia lost three wickets in the first session on Day 5. 

Both Usman Khawaja and David Warner fell to Chris Woakes. While Khawaja was trapped LBW, Warner was caught behind. Marnus Labuschagne then fell to Mark Wood as the Aussie batter was caught in the slips after he nicked one. 

YouTube video

While England bowlers could take some credit for these wickets, the umpires too helped their cause by handing almost a new ball after the hosts asked to replace an out-of-shape ball. As per the pictures going viral on social media, England got a ball that was in a much better condition than compared to the previous one. The seam and shine on the replacement ball made it look like it was new.

Also Read: After Stuart Broad’s successful mind game, Ben Stokes fails to shake Aussie openers by rearranging bails in 5th Ashes Test

Fans lambast umpires for favoring England

team england test
England celebrate Marnus Labuschagne’s dismissal (Image via England Cricket Twitter)

This clearly did not sit with Australian fans as they accused England of cheating. While the media houses pointed to this stark difference between the two balls, fans were quick to bombard Twitter with comments about umpires favoring England. 

Check out the reactions. 

While it will be interesting to see what the umpires have to say about this biased move, the game is headed for a thrilling finish. Australia require 166 runs in two sessions to win the game and the series while England need seven more wickets to level it at 2-2.

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