Leeds (Sports Desk) — England bowlers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tong, who delivered outstanding bowling in the first innings of the Leeds Test against Pakistan, created a unique moment by splitting the match ball equally between themselves.
While bowling Pakistan out for 171 in the first innings, both English bowlers claimed five wickets each. Since it is rare for two bowlers to take five wickets each in the same innings, they decided to keep the ball as a memento.
As they were leaving the ground, Josh Tong suggested to Ollie Robinson that they cut the ball in half and keep one half each. Robinson agreed with the idea.
Later, after reaching the dressing room, Josh Tong asked the ground staff to cut the ball into two pieces. The staff complied and, after some time, handed one half of the ball to each bowler.
Ollie Robinson said receiving half a cricket ball as a memento is not something that happens every day, making it an event that he and Josh Tong will always remember.