England’s second Test summer has witnessed another ball change that has favored the hosts. During the first Test against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford, the umpires agreed to England’s request to replace the worn-out Dukes ball after 41 overs of Sri Lanka’s second innings.
At the time, Sri Lanka held a slender lead of 24 with Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis at the crease. The introduction of a firmer ball with a more pronounced seam revitalized England’s quicks. Mathews, who had reached 59, was dismissed by Chris Woakes in the 10th over with the new ball, ending a 78-run partnership.
Despite only taking one more wicket before the close, England created numerous chances with the replacement ball. Mathews and Kamindu were dropped by Joe Root and Gus Atkinson, respectively, while Woakes had two lbw decisions overturned on review.
Coincidentally, Woakes was also the beneficiary of a controversial ball change during last season’s Ashes Test at the Kia Oval. Australia’s Usman Khawaja questioned the switch to a newer, harder ball, which differed from the one used for the previous 37 overs.
Sri Lanka, however, expressed no complaints about the ball change. Former England international Ian Bell, Sri Lanka’s batting coach, acknowledged the poor condition of the original ball’s seam and accepted that the change made batting more challenging. He emphasized the need for consistency in future ball changes.
England centurion Jamie Smith praised Woakes for exploiting the conditions with the new ball. Meanwhile, England will provide an update on Mark Wood’s fitness on Saturday after he experienced discomfort in his right thigh.
