Ollie Robinson branded 'exceptional' as he and Josh Tongue cut match ball in two after taking five-fers vs Pakistan
England cricketers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue were praised for their exceptional performance after both secured five-wicket hauls against Pakistan. To commemorate the unique achievement, the pair decided to cut the match ball in half to share the souvenir.
Why it matters
This event highlights a rare statistical achievement in Test cricket and provides a human-interest story regarding sportsmanship and tradition.
Ollie Robinson was branded 'exceptional' by team-mate Josh Tongue after both pace bowlers bagged five-wicket hauls as England bowled Pakistan out for 171 runs on day one of the first Test match at Headingley. <p>After Tongue snared Mohammad Abbas to wrap up Pakistan's first innings, he and Robinson walked off the field holding hands, discussing who between them would take the match ball home.</p><p>Instead, they opted to split the ball in half, employing the help of the grounds staff to cut the ball through its seam.</p><p>"It's not often you get half a ball," Robinson told <em><a href="https://www.ecb.co.uk/video/4562807/postmatch--josh-tongue-and-ollie-robinson">the ECB</a></em>. "So it's something we'll remember forever. It's quite unique."</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/13574818/england-skittle-pakistan-for-171-on-joe-roots-return-as-test-captain-with-ollie-robinson-and-josh-tongue-taking-five-wicket-hauls-at-headingley">England skittle Pakistan for 171 runs on day one of first Test</a></strong></li><li><strong>Not got Sky?
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