Ashes 2023: What is the ‘brand-spanking new’ ball controversy that erupted on the fifth day of series decider final Test
The ongoing Ashes 2023 series has not been short on controversy. Even though there was goodwill between the two teams after Australia presented Stuart Broad with a guard of honor on Day 4 of the 5th Ashes Test, a new controversy has begun to take center stage, especially in Australian media.
Following a difficult decision to switch the ball on Day 4, a new argument has broken out. Usman Khawaja, the opening batsman for Australia, was hit in the helmet by a delivery from England’s Mark Wood during the 37th over. The ball reportedly changed shape as a result of the violent contact, forcing the umpires to substitute it.
Cricket aficionados and experts alike have been debating and speculating about this decision for a while. After the switch, the Dukes ball, which had previously been resistant to England’s seamers, suddenly started to swing more.
On Day 4, amid cloudy circumstances, England bowlers, particularly their in-form bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson, failed to create much movement as the Australian openers gave the side a solid start in their pursuit of 384 runs. For the first partnership, David Warner and Usman Khawaja added 135 runs.
The ball started moving thanks to Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, but rain ended up being the victor as nearly half of the game in Manchester was called off owing to bad weather.
Fox Sports called it a ‘fortuitous’ ball change while former Australia cricketer Callum Ferguson called the change of ball ‘disgraceful’.
Netizens criticize England as Australia collapses on Day 5 of the Ashes 2023 due to ball alteration
The unanticipated Australian collapse sparked discussion over the new ball, and the broadcasters displayed images of both the “old” and the “new” ball. Though seen from the shiny side, the latter appeared to be in much better shape and had a more noticeable seam.
The Jonny Bairstow run-out scandal may have outshined the crazed fandom on Twitter. Most criticized the home team’s players and the referees.
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