Former Pakistan cricketer Shabbir Ahmed has made explosive allegations against Team India, accusing them of using Vaseline on the ball during the fifth Test against England at The Oval. India’s dramatic win over England, which saw them defend a target of 374, has now become the center of controversy after Ahmed’s accusation of ball-tampering.
India, led by a brilliant bowling performance from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, managed to bowl out England for 367, securing a six-run victory. However, as England’s Harry Brook and Joe Root dominated the chase, Shabbir questioned the fairness of India’s tactics, especially when the old ball seemed to be swinging excessively on Day 5.
Shabbir Ahmed’s Accusation of Vaseline Use
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Shabbir claimed that India used Vaseline to tamper with the ball to maintain its shine. “I think India used Vaseline. After 80+ overs, the ball still shines like new. Umpires should send the ball to the lab for examination,” Shabbir wrote. His claim raised eyebrows, suggesting that the excessive swing from the old ball might have been due to artificial intervention.
The incident has sparked debates across the cricketing world, as Shabbir’s comments put a shadow over India’s thrilling win. While there has been no official confirmation of the allegations, the cricket community is divided on the matter, with some demanding further investigation into the ball’s condition.
India’s Dominance Despite Setbacks
Despite missing key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, India made a strong statement in the series. Though they lost two matches, India was often the better side on the field, showcasing resilience and skill throughout the series. The team returned home after a 2-2 draw, proud of their performance, despite the setbacks.
Rishabh Pant’s absence due to injury and the inexperience of several players playing their first matches in England didn’t stop India from putting up a strong fight. Every player who represented India stepped up, justifying their selection, and contributed to the team’s overall success in the series.
As the controversy surrounding the ball-tampering allegation continues to unfold, cricket fans are eager to see if any further action will be taken regarding the claims.
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