England Bowlers Claim Ten Wickets, Divide the Ball – a First Since 2006

In a thrilling opening day at Headingley on 20 August, England’s Ollie Robinson and Josh Tong each took five wickets, leaving Pakistan all out for 171. Their combined ten‑wicket haul gave England a dominant position in the Test.

What made the day unforgettable was the decision to split the match ball after the session ended. Robinson kept one half, Tong the other, turning a routine piece of equipment into a keepsake that symbolised their shared achievement.

The last time England bowlers shared a ball after a dual five‑for was in 2006, when Steve and Monty Panesar achieved the feat against the same opposition. Tong’s latest five‑for was his fourth in Test cricket, while Robinson chalked up his fifth.

England’s reply was modest. The side posted 112 for two, with Ben Duckett dismissed for 15, Emilio Ge for 33, Jordan Cox also at 33, and captain Joe Root top‑scoring with 37.