Sri Lanka were sailing smoothly with 175 runs on the board on Day 3 of the first Test in the ongoing series against England when Mathews was suddenly dismissed. In the 41st over, standing umpires Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel accepted England’s request to change the ball that was in use. The decision to bring in a much newer ball compared to the older one prompted Ollie Pope, England captain, to bring in the seam bowlers and the hosts got benefit from the decision.
The new ball, which had a prouder seam, immediately made an impact. England’s bowlers, led by Chris Woakes, capitalized on the increased movement, with Woakes claiming the crucial wicket of Mathews for 65 in the 10th over with the replacement ball.
Commenting on the incident on social media, Australian MP Jason Wood said “England cricket is at it again with a dodgy ball exchange. Bad luck Sri Lankan cricket team in the second innings with a lead of 169, with Mendis 101 not out and had seen off fast bowlers when England changed the soft ball for a hard ball.”
Recalling the fifth and final Ashes Test of the previous summer, where a ball change also appeared to benefit England, he said, “Sounds very similar to when England played Australia in the Ashes and changed soft ball for a five-year-old hard as a rock, shiny bouncing ball. “
He continued “England always complains about Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal but loves changing the balls to suit them. “
MP Wood concluded his post congratulating the Sri Lankan team, “Better luck next game Sri Lanka.”
Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who was also the team’s top run scorer on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test match between England and the Lankans, has called for a change of rules in Test regarding changing ball mid-innings.
