England’s Chris Woakes made an important impression early on the ultimate day, taking two wickets in fast succession, dismissing each David Warner(60) and Usman Khawaja (72) after their robust opening partnership.
The ball appeared to be shifting extra within the air and off the pitch in comparison with the day before today.Whereas components like overhead circumstances and a refreshed pitch as a result of rain might have contributed to the tough batting circumstances, the change of ball might need additionally influenced the sport. The ball was changed after England quick bowler Mark Wooden hit Khawaja on the helmet late on the previous day.
In such conditions, the on-field umpires are anticipated to decide on a substitute ball comparable in situation to the one being changed.
Nonetheless, TV footage instructed that the substitute ball used was noticeably newer than the previous ball, and there appeared to be no different ball with equal put on and tear out there for the umpires to pick out from a field of substitute balls.
This incident added to the frustration for Khawaja and the Australian crew as they confronted a difficult state of affairs, resulting in England’s eventual victory within the match.
“I walked straight as much as Kumar (Dharmasena, the umpire) and mentioned straightaway, ‘That ball seems to be nothing just like the one we had been enjoying with. I can see writing on it’,” Khawaja informed cricket.com.au after Australia had been bowled out for 334 to offer England a 49-run victory.
“It felt more durable than any ball I’ve confronted on this Ashes collection — and I’ve opened the batting towards the brand new ball each single time,” added Khawaja, the main run-scorer on both aspect within the five-Check marketing campaign with 496.
“I mentioned, ‘I do not know what is going on on — you have gone from an previous, reverse (swinging) ball to a brand-new ball.
“Personally, I feel if there’s nothing else within the field that may match the ball you will have, you may’t actually change it.
“It’s kind of irritating as a batting unit as a result of we labored our backsides off for 36 overs after which they modified the ball.
“As an opener you’re employed so arduous to get by way of to there and then you definately’re dealing with a brand new ball once more.”
Khawaja added he hoped the Worldwide Cricket Council would pay attention to what had occurred, including: “Sadly, that is the hand you get dealt generally in cricket.
“It might not really feel honest, however hopefully the ICC can be taught from it and take a look at to take a look at that ball to alter the method.”
The drawn collection meant Australia, because the holders, retained the Ashes.
However a shared marketing campaign left Australia nonetheless ready for a primary Ashes collection win in England in 22 years.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting was in little question the ball change had performed a decisive position at The Oval.
“There isn’t a manner on this planet you may even take a look at these two balls there and say in any manner they’re comparable,” Ponting informed Sky Sports activities.
“That could be a large second on this recreation. And one thing I feel must be investigated.”
(With AFP inputs)
