Cricketing World Rises Up In Debate As England Beat Sri Lanka Amidst Unfair Ball Change Controversy

England defeated Sri Lanka by 5-wickets in their test match at Old Trafford in Manchester to pick up a 1-0 series lead. Amidst the win by England, a controversy regarding the change of ball surfaced as Sri Lanka all-rounder deemed the ball change by England as unfair. 

Sri Lanka's brilliant batting had kept England's hopes for a win a bit thin as Sri Lanka were 291-6 in their second innings at lunch during the fourth day of play with Kamindu Mendis not out for 101. During the 41st over, England got an all-clear to have a ball-swap which led to Angelo Matthews departing for 65. 

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‘Changed The Entire Momentum Of The Game’ 

After the fall of Angelo Matthews wicket, the veteran cricketer criticized the ball change leading to discussions around it. 

“It looked like they were running out of plans but unfortunately the ball was changed. We were told they didn’t have old enough balls to replace. It changed the entire momentum of the game. You work so hard to get rid of that shine, and we did that. Once the ball was changed, it was a whole different game,” said Angelo Matthews to Sky Sports.

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Matthews also spoke to BBC and was quoted saying how Sri Lanka were ahead in the match comfortably. 

“I think it could be unfair for batters on both teams, because the batters want to get rid of the hard, shiny ball, and once we got to the 48-over mark, I think we were quite comfortably playing them.

“Taking nothing away from England, they bowled extremely well. It’s just that, it all depends on the manufacture of the ball as well. It could be from 2020 to 2023, it could have some changes, and also it’s all about having a set of rules around how you change the ball.

“If it doesn’t go through the rings, yes it’s obvious. But if the seam position changes and all that, we kind of get rid of the seam by cutting the seam as well. It’s just my opinion, but it can be very disadvantageous for the set batters.

“We were quite comfortable and it changed the entire momentum of the game,” said Matthews. 

Not The First Time A Ball Change Controversy Has Struck

This was not the first time a ball change controversy has taken place around England as last year a similar incident happened between Australia and England at The Oval. Australian legend Ricky Ponting even asked for an investigation into the ball change. 

“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. I just cannot fathom how two international umpires that have done that a lot of times can actually get that so wrong,” said Ponting during the England-Australia ball change controversy.