England bowlers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue found an unusual way to share a match ball after both claimed five-wicket hauls against Pakistan. The pair split the ball into two halves after England dominated the opening day of the first Test in Leeds.
The unusual keepsake came after both pacers produced outstanding spells. Tongue finished with 5-46, while Robinson claimed 5-51 as Pakistan were bowled out for 171.
Robinson and Tongue Split the Match Ball
Usually, bowlers keep the match ball after taking five wickets in an innings. However, England faced a unique situation when both Robinson and Tongue achieved the milestone.
The two bowlers decided to divide the ball between them. Ground staff then carefully cut the cricket ball into two pieces.
“Robbo said we can split the ball in half,” Tongue told Test Match Special. “The groundstaff have kindly done that.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen that happen. I’m sure I’ll be putting that up somewhere.”
Robinson later displayed his half of the ball during a media conference. He explained how the idea came about as the players left the field.
“We were walking off the field.
“Josh said it and I said: ‘We actually should do that, it would be quite cool.’
“You don’t really have too many halves of a cricket ball, so it would be something that we never forget.”
England Bowlers Deliver Historic Performance
Robinson and Tongue played a crucial role in England’s strong start under Joe Root’s return as Test captain. Their combined effort helped England dismiss Pakistan for just 171.
England won the toss and chose to bowl first. The decision quickly paid off as the pace attack kept Pakistan under constant pressure.
By the end of the day, England had reached 112-2. The hosts therefore finished the opening day in a strong position at Headingley.
Robinson and Tongue also achieved a milestone for England’s Test cricket history. They became the first England bowling pair to take five-wicket hauls in the same Test innings since 2006.
Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar last achieved the feat against Pakistan at Old Trafford.
A Unique Cricket Keepsake
The bowlers reportedly left the field together while discussing how to preserve their unusual achievement.
“Wayne Bentley, the team manager, took it down to the groundstaff,” said Robinson.
“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.”
The quick turnaround made the moment even more memorable for the two pacers. Both bowlers now have a physical reminder of their shared five-wicket haul.
Robinson Celebrates Special Week
Robinson’s performance also came during an important personal week. The England seamer and his wife Mia recently welcomed their first child together.
Their daughter Eva was born during the early hours of Thursday. Robinson said the birth made his performance against Pakistan even more meaningful.
“I’ve been catching up on my sleep since I got to the hotel in Leeds,” said Robinson, who has another child from a previous relationship.
“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 a performance in. It meant a lot today to do that.
“I know they’re not here, but I was thinking of them the whole time.”
Robinson Continues Strong Test Comeback
The five-wicket haul marked Robinson’s fifth five-for in Test cricket. It also continued his impressive return to England’s Test side.
The 32-year-old returned to Test cricket earlier in the summer after spending more than two years outside the team. England recalled him for the Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.
Robinson immediately made an impact by taking seven wickets in that match. His performance included another five-wicket haul.
He now has 88 Test wickets at an average of 21.25. No England seamer since 1914 has taken as many Test wickets at a better average.
Robinson said his time away from the England setup taught him important lessons.
“I probably learned a lot about myself when I was out of the team,” said Robinson.
“At the moment I probably feel as good as I’ve ever felt. I’m probably not in as a good rhythm – I know that sounds silly after wickets – but I’m probably not in as good a rhythm as I would like.
“As long as I can stay on the park and stay fit, hopefully I can get that rhythm and stay good.”
His latest performance suggests Robinson has returned to the England side with renewed confidence. Meanwhile, his partnership with Tongue has given England another reason for optimism at the start of the Test.
