LEEDS: England pacers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue found an unusual way to commemorate their five-wicket hauls against Pakistan, splitting the match ball in half after dominating the opening day of the first Test at Headingley.
𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒔 🎯
Five wickets apiece and half a ball apiece for Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue 🎉 pic.twitter.com/18j4b6RQmG
— ICC (@ICC) August 20, 2026
Robinson and Tongue claimed five wickets each as Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings, leaving the England attack with an unusual dilemma over who should keep the ball as a souvenir.
Splitting the ball
Traditionally, a bowler who takes five wickets in an innings is presented with the match ball. With both pacers achieving the milestone, Tongue suggested they simply divide it.
England cut the match ball in half after Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue took five-wicket hauls against Pakistan! 😳🏏
One of the most unusual cricket celebrations you’ll see.#englandcricket #pakistancricket #testcricket #justcricket #justcricketapp pic.twitter.com/riSGS7yHDQ
— Just Cricket (@justcricket_app) August 20, 2026
“On our way off the ground, Josh said, ‘We should split the ball in half and have half each,’” Robinson recalled.
“I said, ‘We actually should do that. I think that would be pretty cool.’”
The ground staff later returned with the ball cut into two pieces, giving Robinson and Tongue half each to mark their performances.
“You don’t get half a cricket ball every day. It’s something neither of us will ever forget,” Robinson said.
Pakistan dismissed for 171
Pakistan struggled against England’s pace attack despite useful contributions from Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq.
Shafique led the scoring with 61 from 104 deliveries, including eight boundaries, while Imam made 42 from 74 balls with six fours.
ALSO READ: England Reach 112-2 After Pakistan Bowled Out for 171 at Headingley Test
Robinson and Tongue, however, ensured Pakistan were unable to build a substantial first-innings total, sharing all 10 wickets between them.
England then made a solid start to their reply, reaching 112-2 from 25 overs by the close of play, reducing the deficit to 59 runs.
Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay were the two batters dismissed, falling to Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali respectively.
Captain Joe Root remained unbeaten on 37, while Jordan Cox finished the day on 23 not out. The pair will resume England’s innings on day two as the hosts look to establish a first-innings lead.
