LEEDS – England fast bowlers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue found an unusual solution to a traditional cricket custom after both claimed five-wicket hauls against Pakistan on the opening day of the first Test at Headingley.
Normally, a bowler who takes five wickets in an innings keeps the match ball as a memento. However, with both Robinson and Tongue reaching the milestone in the same innings, the two bowlers faced the unusual problem of having only one ball to share.
According to Tongue, Robinson suggested that they split the ball into two halves so that both could keep a piece of the memorable match.
The proposal was quickly put into action by the ground staff. Team manager Wayne Bentley handed the ball to the ground staff, who cut it in half within minutes.
Speaking to the media, Robinson said the idea came to the pair as they were walking off the field after England bowled Pakistan out.
The unusual arrangement meant that Robinson and Tongue each received half of the ball as a keepsake from their impressive performances.
Tongue finished with figures of 5-46, while Robinson claimed 5-51, as Pakistan were dismissed for 171 in their first innings.
England made a strong start with the bat after taking control with the ball. By the close of play, the hosts had reached 112-2, putting them in a commanding position at the end of the opening day.
The twin five-wicket hauls also marked a rare achievement for England. It was the first time since 2006 that two England bowlers had taken five wickets each in the same Test innings.
The performances by Robinson and Tongue played a key role in restricting Pakistan to a modest first-innings total and gave England an early advantage in the Test.
The memorable day will also be recalled for the unusual cricketing souvenir, with the two England pacers taking home half of the same match ball.
