India team sensationally accused of using Vaseline to tamper the ball on Day 5 of Oval Test

Former Pakistan pace bowler Shabbir Ahmed sparked controversy after India's six-run win over England in the fifth and final Test match at The Oval in London. Shabbir accused the Shubman Gill-led team of ball-tampering, alleging that India used Vaseline to keep the ball unnaturally shiny even after 80 overs.

India defended 374 and leveled the series 2-2 in the final Test at The Oval on Monday, August 4. Fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna triggered a late collapse as England fell short despite being well-placed in their chase. Notably, the visiting team chose not to take the new ball after 80 overs.

India Accused of Ball Tampering at The Oval Test by Pakistan Talisman

Shabbir Ahmed alleged that India used Vaseline to keep the ball shiny even after 80 overs and called for lab testing. His claims came amid India’s strong performance, leading many to believe that jealousy over India’s recent success may be the reason for the accusation.

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“I think India used Vaseline. After 80 + over Ball still shine like new. Umpire should send this ball to lab for examine," Shabbir posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) following India’s six-run win at The Oval.

I think
India used Vaseline
After 80 + over
Ball still shine like new
Umpire should send this ball to lab for examine

— Shabbir Ahmed Khan (@ShabbirTestCric) August 4, 2025

Mohammed Siraj Instrumental in India's Stunning Victory at The Oval Test

England resumed their chase needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand, but the visitors staged a dramatic comeback to defend the target.

Mohammed Siraj picked up three wickets on the final day to complete a five-wicket haul. He finished the match with nine wickets overall, including four in the first innings, and emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the series with 23 scalps.

Prasidh Krishna also played a key role in the victory, taking one important wicket on the final day and returning with figures of 4/126. He ended the series with 14 wickets in three matches.

India secured a 336-run win in the second Test at Edgbaston and managed to draw the fourth Test at Manchester. The visitors lost the matches at Leeds and Lord's.

Shabbir Ahmed Represented Pakistan in International Cricket from 1999 to 2007

Shabbir Ahmed played for the Pakistan national cricket team between 1999 and 2007. The former right-arm fast bowler featured in 10 Test matches, 32 ODIs, and one T20I, picking up a total of 84 wickets across the three formats of the game.

His international career was interrupted by controversy when he became the first bowler to be banned for 12 months due to a suspect bowling action. The University of Western Australia found his action illegal, leading to the suspension, which was later lifted in December 2006.

After his return, Shabbir joined the now-defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL), where he represented the Chennai Superstars. He made a mark in the league by taking a hat-trick in the final, helping Chennai clinch the championship. The pacer last played for Pakistan in a T20I match against South Africa.

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