Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue Split Ball After Five-Wicket Hauls

LEEDS: (Sports Desk) – England bowlers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue found an unusual solution to a rare cricketing dilemma after both claimed five-wicket hauls against Pakistan on the opening day of the first Test at Headingley.

Traditionally, a bowler keeps the match ball after taking a five-wicket haul, much like a footballer takes home the match ball after scoring a hat-trick.

But with both Robinson and Tongue taking five wickets apiece, the England duo decided to split the ball in half so they could each keep a piece.

‘We can split the ball in half’

Tongue revealed the idea during an interview with Test Match Special.

“Robbo said we can split the ball in half,” Tongue said.

The ground staff then cut the ball into two pieces, allowing both bowlers to take home a memento from their outstanding performances.

Robinson later displayed his half during a media conference and explained how the unusual idea came about.

He said the pair were walking off the field when Tongue suggested splitting the ball. Robinson agreed that it would make a memorable keepsake.

“You don’t really have too many halves of a cricket ball,” Robinson said, explaining that the unusual souvenir would help them remember the achievement.

England bowlers dominate Pakistan

The bowling partnership helped England make an ideal start to Joe Root’s second stint as Test captain.

Tongue finished with figures of 5-46, while Robinson claimed 5-51, as Pakistan were dismissed for just 171 runs after England elected to bowl first.

England then reached 112-2 by the close of play to establish a strong position at the end of the opening day.

The two five-wicket hauls also marked a notable achievement for England. Robinson and Tongue became the first pair of England bowlers to take five-wicket hauls in the same Test innings since Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar achieved the feat against Pakistan at Old Trafford in 2006.

A memorable week for Robinson

The performance was particularly special for Robinson, who recently welcomed his first child with his wife, Mia.

Their daughter, Eva, was born in the early hours of the previous Thursday, making the bowler’s match-winning display an even more meaningful moment.

Robinson said the week had been special and that he had been thinking about his family throughout the match.

He added that he had been catching up on sleep since arriving at the Leeds hotel but was delighted to deliver such a strong performance after returning to international cricket.

Robinson enjoying successful Test comeback

The five-wicket haul was the fifth of Robinson’s Test career and continued his impressive return to England’s Test side.

The 32-year-old had spent more than two years away from Test cricket before being recalled for the match against New Zealand at Lord’s earlier in the summer.

He marked his comeback with seven wickets in that Test, including another five-wicket haul.

Robinson now has 88 Test wickets at an average of 21.25, placing him among England’s most statistically effective seamers over the longer history of the format.

Reflecting on his return, Robinson said his time away from the England side had taught him a great deal about himself.

He also acknowledged that he was still working to find his ideal rhythm, despite his impressive recent performances.