England pacers made the most of the unexpected ball change at The Oval.
The Dukes ball wasn’t swinging for English quicks on the penultimate day. As a result, Aussie openers Usman Khawaja and David Warner didn’t only survive the new-ball burst but also scored runs fluently.
However, the umpires decided to change the ball after the first delivery of the 37th over bowled by Mark Wood hit Khawaja on the helmet. Apparently, the officials felt that the ball had lost its shape.
With the new ball, Khawaja and Warner found life difficult before rain arrived after the end of the 38th over, forcing a premature end to Day 4 with the visitors at 135/0 in the chase of 384.
Australia’s openers were greeted by overcast conditions on the final day. On the other hand, England's fast bowlers were confident with a new red cherry in their hands.
As it turned out, Chris Woakes dismissed David Warner (60) and Usman Khawaja (71) while Mark Wood got rid of Marnus Labuschagne (13) to reduce the tourists to 169/3.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Australian legend Ricky Ponting said: “This is a complete contrast to what we saw bowling conditions-wise yesterday.”
“It has got to be this change of ball. There was absolutely nothing happening. Australia dominated. Totally different this morning, that’s for sure.”
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain called the situation “very odd”, admitting that the ball change was “madness”.
Former England batter Mark Butcher also acknowledged that the ball change made a difference.
“This ball change has made an enormous difference. The (new ball) looked brand-spanking new,” Butcher said.
Former Australia cricketer Callum Ferguson said on Channel 9: “I think it is actually disgraceful they have allowed a ball this new into the game at the stage they did. It made it very difficult.
“Those two balls are so, so different. That’s almost a new ball. They might as well unwrapped a new one. I find it staggering they ended up with that ball.”
After losing three quick wickets, Steve Smith (40*) and Travis Head (31*) came to Australia’s rescue, stitching a 69-run partnership to take the team to 238/3 at Lunch break, needing 146 more runs to win the Ashes 3-1.