The Indian pace battery led by Mohammed Siraj was right on the money on Day 5 of the Oval Test against England when the hosts needed 35 runs to win with 4 wickets left.
Having already bowled 76.2 overs ahead of the final day, the ball saw significant movement in the air, troubling the English bowlers.
India opted out of taking the new ball at the 80-over mark, and great control from Siraj and Prasidh Krishna made sure England were bowled out for 367. while chasing 374.
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In the aftermath of the Test, a tweet from former Pakistan bowler Shabbir Ahmed ignited a controversy. The ex-cricketer accused India of tampering with the ball, saying it helped the visitors win the Oval Test match to seal the series 2-2.
Did India tamper with the ball in the Oval Test?
The Pakistan bowler, who played 10 Tests and took 51 wickets in his short career, pointed out how the ball was still swinging after 80 overs of play and thought India had used vaseline to keep the shine intact.
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He also urged the match officials to send the ball to a lab and examine if it was used fairly by India.
I think
— Shabbir Ahmed Khan (@ShabbirTestCric) August 4, 2025
India used Vaseline
After 80 + over
Ball still shine like new
Umpire should send this ball to lab for examine
The vaseline-usage allegation suggested that the ball got heavier from one side, aiding in the swing and keeping India in the match.
Former Pakistan cricketer's ball-tampering claims receive no support
Interestingly, neither the England team nor the umpires nor the match referee have been on the same page, leaving his claims baseless without any evidence.
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India ended the series with a 2-2 draw, with wins at Edgbaston and the Oval. With backs against the wall, the batters heroically drew the Manchester Test to keep them in the series.
After his exemplary spell at the Oval, Siraj ended the series as the highest wicket-taker with 23 scalps. He was also the only fast bowler in the series who lasted 25 days without any injury or rest.
India will next head to the United Arab Emirates for T20Is in September to take part in the Asia Cup 2025 tournament.
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