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HomeSourcesmirror.co.ukAshes investigation launched over controversial incident that changed course of fifth Test

Ashes investigation launched over controversial incident that changed course of fifth Test

England benefited from a ball change to take 10 wickets on day five of the final Test against Australia at the Oval – and the visitors believe they were given an unfair advantage

The ball which helped England win the final Ashes Test against Australia at the Oval is being investigated by the manufacturer amid suggestions it could have been five years old.

England drew the Ashes 2-2 thanks to a 49-run victory in the last Test, which saw the hosts take 10 wickets on the final day. Having reached 135-0 on day four, Australia collapsed the following day as Chris Woakes took 4-50 and Stuart Broad produced a memorable finale to his career by bagging the last two wickets.

Australia believe that a ball change was behind the dramatic swing in fortunes. It came late on the fourth day after Usman Khawaja was struck on the helmet by a bouncer from Mark Wood. The impact prompted action from umpires Joel Wilson and Kumar Dharmasena, who handed England a different ball.

With the help of increased swing and movement off the pitch, Woakes dismissed David Warner and Khawaja in quick succession on day five. Former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting was furious with the ball-change and demanded an investigation, with Australian media suggesting the ball could have been five years old.

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