A controversy unfolded during the first Test between England vs Sri Lanka in Manchester after an ‘unfair’ ball-change decision favored the hosts. The incident occurred during Sri Lanka’s second innings when England opted for a new ball, which shifted the momentum in their favor.
Ball Change Led To A Turning Point For England
Veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews described the event as a pivotal moment in the match, as England’s pacers capitalized on the new, firmer ball. At the time of the change, Sri Lanka held a narrow 24-run lead at 4-146. Mathews was on 59 and was supported by Kamindu Mendis, who was on 33. Despite their efforts to wear down the ball, England’s introduction of a fresh ball significantly altered the game’s dynamics.
Mathews was dismissed in the 10th over after the new ball was introduced, marking a turning point where England regained control of the match.
“It was unfortunate, to be honest. Yesterday we were sitting pretty until the ball was changed,” Mathews told Test Match Special before the start of the fourth day’s play.
“I think it could be unfair for batters on both teams, because the batters want to get rid of the hard, shiny ball, and once we got to the 48-over mark, I think we were quite comfortably playing them.
‘The Entire Momentum Of Game Changed’, Says Mathews
“Once the ball was changed, I think it changed the entire momentum of the game. It started swinging both ways, it started nipping back in, so it was really difficult. The batters are waiting to get rid of the hardness of the ball, and it’s unfortunate that the ball was changed and it started swinging and it changed the whole complexion of the game.”
In last year’s Ashes series at The Oval, England faced similar criticism. Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting even expressed his frustration over the incident.
“I just cannot fathom how two international umpires that have done that a lot of times can actually get that so wrong,” Ponting had said.
England emerged as the winners of opening Test by 5 wickets.
