The England fast bowlers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tong, who bowled out the entire Pakistan team for 171 runs on the first day of the Leeds Test, made a unique cricketing memento by equally dividing the match ball between themselves.
It is worth remembering that the feat of two England bowlers taking five wickets each in the same innings has been achieved for the 16th time.
Before this, Simon Harmison and Monty Panesar had achieved this honour for England against Pakistan in the 2006 Old Trafford Test.
After their outstanding bowling performance against Pakistan, when the two bowlers came off the field, they had the same match ball in their hands.
However, there was no disagreement between them over who would keep it. Instead, they decided to cut the ball in half and take one half each.
The England team management handed the ball over to the Headingley ground staff, where it was divided into two parts exactly through the middle.
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Thus, Robinson and Tong each received a separate half of the same match ball.
Ollie Robinson said that after the match, he spoke to Tong about dividing the ball, to which both agreed.
According to him, getting half of a cricket ball is an extremely unique memento, and both players will always remember the moment.
Josh Tong also said that the suggestion to divide the ball was made by Robinson and that the ground staff fulfilled their request.
He said that he had seen something like this happen for the first time and that he would keep his half of the ball in a safe place.
Robinson took a wicket with the very first ball of the match, achieving the feat in England after almost 20 years.
He dismissed four of Pakistan’s top five batsmen, while Tong wrapped up Pakistan’s tail, bowling the team out for 171 runs.
The day was also special for Robinson because his second daughter was born last week. He said that performing at his best while being away from his family was an extremely emotional and joyful moment for him.
Robinson further said that during his injury and time away from the team, he worked hard on his fitness and bowling. He is now focused on performing for England on a consistent basis and remaining fit.
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