Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews criticized the decision to change the ball during their second innings against England, arguing that it unfairly shifted the momentum in England’s favor.
England’s five-wicket victory in the first Test at Old Trafford was marred by controversy, with Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews criticizing an “unfair” ball change that he believes significantly shifted the match’s momentum. The incident occurred during Sri Lanka’s second innings after the 41st over, when umpires Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel authorized the ball switch. At the time, Sri Lanka was 4-146, holding a slender 24-run lead, with Mathews set on 59 and Kamindu Mendis on 33.
Mathews expressed his frustration, noting that Sri Lanka had worked hard to dull the ball’s shine, which had been neutralizing England’s bowling attack. However, the new ball, with its firmer grip and pronounced seam, restored England’s fast bowlers. The turning point came when Chris Woakes dismissed Mathews in the 10th over after the change, breaking a crucial 78-run fifth-wicket stand.
The shift in momentum was evident as the new ball swung both ways and nipped off the pitch, making batting significantly tougher. Mathews slammed the timing of the change, suggesting it altered the course of the game and left Sri Lanka in a much weaker position.
“It was unfortunate, to be honest. Yesterday we were sitting pretty until the ball was changed. 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,” Mathews told Test Match Special before the start of fourth day’s play.
“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,” he added.
The shift in match dynamics was evident as even the commentators and analysts noted how the ball change made it harder for the Sri Lankan batsmen to maintain their earlier form. England seized the opportunity, mounting a comeback that led to their five-wicket victory.
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However, this incident is not isolated, as questions have been raised about England’s ball management in recent Tests. Last year, during the Ashes at the Oval, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting criticized a similar ball change, calling for an investigation. Ponting was baffled by how experienced umpires could make such an error, expressing his concerns about the fairness of the decision.
“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.
Last Updated on August 25, 2024
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