Pointing Wants Investigation Of ‘Ballgate’ Controversy In 5th Ashes Test

Summary:

• England beat Australia in the 5th Ashes test to draw the series 2-2
• England managed to take 10 wickets on day 5 after the umpires changed the ball
• Ex-captain Ricky Ponting has called for the ICC to launch an investigation

The 5th and final test of the Ashes turned out to be another nail biter that kept fans at the edge of their seats as England succeeded in beating Australia by 49 runs in the final session of the 5th day to tie the series 2-2.

This Ashes series showed cricket fans around the world why the game of test cricket is truly the greatest challenge in all formats.

England and Australia were brilliant throughout the series and while Australia retained the Ashes, many fans believe that England should have won the series if the 4th test was not impacted by rain.

Sadly, the final day of the 5th test was marred due to a ball change controversy that ex-Australian skipper Ricky Ponting who was part of the commentary team called ‘disgraceful’.

England Benefit From Controversial Ball Change

England were not happy with the cricket ball during Australia’s second innings and kept bringing it to the attention of the umpires throughout the 4th day’s play. The ball did nothing for the English bowlers which helped David Warner and Usman Khawaja put on an unbeaten century partnership.

England managed to get the ball changed 2 overs prior to the end of the 4th day’s play. When they started bowling on the 5th day, the ball suddenly offered the seamers a lot of movement and swing which troubled the Australian batsmen and eventually helped England get 10 wickets on the final day.

Ricky Ponting Calls For ICC Investigation

Ponting said the replacement ball appeared to be a lot less used and definitely had more shine which helped England on the 5th day and gave them an advantage over Australia.

In a statement, Ponting said

I cannot fathom how two international umpires that have done this so many times before, have got this so wrong. That is a huge moment in this game, potentially a huge moment in the Test match, and something I think has to be investigated. Whether there were the right condition balls in the box, or whether the umpires have gone and blase, picked one out of there.