India's bowlers were visibly irked when the old ball lost its shine and pace on Day 5 of the opening Test against England at Headingley, Leeds. The attack was in the hands of Jasprit Bumrah, but the remaining bowling unit comprising Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj failed to make a breakthrough or keep the run rate in check.
India had been requesting the umpires time and again to inspect the ball, with the hope of it not passing the gauge test. At last, much to their joy, the ball did get caught in the metal ring this time.
Ravindra Jadeja couldn't suppress his reaction. The moment the fourth umpire came out with the replacement box, Jadeja glanced at on-field umpire Chris Gaffaney and winked, smiling to himself and pumping his fist in victory. It was a fleeting moment, but one that encapsulated India's desperation to shift the tide.
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Shubman Gill's leadership was already in question with the absence of aggression and some questionable bowling decisions, such as not employing Shardul Thakur's services early on. With England requiring 371 to win and appearing solid at the beginning of Day 5, India required every little victory that came their way - and this ball change seemed like one of them.
More to follow...
