ICC issues wishy-washy response to Ashes ball swap fiasco as both teams cop fines for slow over rates

The ICC has issued a typically flimsy response to the furore which erupted after the umpires replaced a scuffed-up ball with a much newer one which helped turn around England’s charge to victory in the fifth Test at The Oval.

Former Test captain Ricky Ponting was furious in commentary for host broadcaster Sky Sports at umpires Joel Wilson and Kumar Dharmasena and opener Usman Khawaja was also bemused over the switch to a much shinier one after England captain Ben Stokes complained about the state of the six-stitcher. 

“The ICC does not comment on the decisions taken by umpires in matches,” a spokesman said.

“We can, however, confirm that all balls are preselected before the start of every match and when the situation calls for it, the match officials choose the ball that is closest to the condition of the ball that is being replaced.”