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A unique and rare incident occurred in Leeds after the first day of the ongoing England vs Pakistan Test match. As both Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue claimed 5 wickets each in the same innings, a groundsman cut the match ball in half so that both of the bowlers could keep their memories in their pockets.
Just as in football, when a player scores a hat-trick, they take the match ball home. In cricket, when a bowler takes 5 wickets in an innings, they can keep the match ball. It is a tradition.
The match ball is cut in two halves after Day 1 of the England vs Pakistan Test match in Leeds
During the England vs Pakistan Test match in Leeds yesterday, Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue both claimed 5-wicket figures each. Two bowlers with 5 wickets, one match ball; then who would be allowed to keep the match ball? Robinson, in a press conference, showed the reporters one half of the red ball.
"Wayne Bentley, the team manager, took it down to the ground staff. I said: 'Do you reckon they will be able to do it?' Within five minutes he brought it back up, and it was done. It's really nice,' Robinson said.
When Ollie Robinson shared the idea to cut the ball in half, Josh Tongue was pretty excited. Like many cricketers, Tongue and Robinson also never thought of having a half portion of a match ball in their trophy room.
"Robbo said we can split the ball in half. The ground staff has kindly done that. It's the first time I've seen that happen. I'm sure I'll be putting that up somewhere," Tongue told Test Match Special.
Pakistan lost all of their wickets for only 171 runs in the Test match against England
Pakistan's first innings wrapped up for only 171 runs on board, with Tongue claiming 5-46 and Robinson 5-51. Before the end of Day 1, England secured 112 runs in exchange for 2 wickets. Jordan Cox and captain Joe Root will start Day 2 of the match for the home side.
According to stats, there are not too many instances where, in a single Test match innings, two England cricket team bowlers got 5 wickets each. Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson did that since Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar against Pakistan at Old Trafford in 2006.
Back-to-back memorable moments for the England pacer Ollie Robinson
The month so far has proved very special for Robinson. Only a few days ago, he and his wife Mia welcomed their first child together in the early hours of last Tuesday. And now, a five-wicket haul followed by a half portion red ball.
"It's a really special week having another baby. It almost makes today even sweeter when you leave them after the birth, and you put in a performance. It meant a lot today to do that. I know they're not here, but I was thinking of them the whole time," Ollie Robinson told the media.
Robinson, who was dropped from the Test team because of concerns over his fitness, is in good form since making a return. Against New Zealand in a Test match, he took seven wickets, including a 5-fer, and then another five-wicket bowling figure against Pakistan.
