Team India spinner Ravindra Jadeja celebrated in front of umpire Chris Gaffaney after finally getting approval for a ball change on Day 5 of the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds. The Indian team had repeatedly requested a replacement due to concerns over the ball’s shape during the first session but were initially denied.
Despite overcast skies, Indian pacers struggled to generate any swing, and the slightly flattened pitch didn’t help either. England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett took full advantage, maintaining a scoring rate of around four per over and reaching a 100-run stand with ease.
India formally appealed to the umpires for a change, but the ball passed the gauge test and was retained. Pacer Shardul Thakur, visibly irritated with the misshaped ball, bowled just three overs, giving away 17 runs without taking a wicket.
In the 28th over of the innings, Team India’s request for a ball change was finally granted when the ball failed to pass through the gauge. Following umpire Chris Gaffaney’s signal for replacement options to be brought out, Ravindra Jadeja reacted with a spirited fist pump in celebration.
Jadeja celebrating the ball change 🤣 pic.twitter.com/IqOT6zRfAO
— A 🕊️ (@scrappinthrough) June 24, 2025
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Rishabh Pant, who had earlier been scolded by the ICC for questioning the umpire’s decision on a ball change during the first innings, looked visibly pleased when the new ball was finally introduced in the second innings.
“Naya ball ka alag feel hai (The feel of this new ball is different),” Pant was heard saying on the stump mic.
However, the new ball has yet to produce results for India, as England comfortably navigated the rest of the first session without losing a wicket. With all 10 wickets in hand, the hosts now require 254 more runs in the final two sessions to take the lead in the series.
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