England v Pakistan 1992

At Lord's, August 22,23. Pakistan won by three runs. An enthralling contest, spread across two days, was decided in Pakistan's favour when Waqar Younis bowled out last man Illingworth with the second delivery of the final over. Unhappily, the match will be remembered primarily for what followed off the field. Within minutes of the close, it was revealed that umpires Palmer and Hampshire had found it necessary, during the second-day lunch interval, to change the ball being used by Pakistan's bowlers. they had consulted with match referee Deryck Murray, who refused to make public comment. The implication was "ball-tampering", though Pakistan argued that the ball was merely out of shape. Five days later - with allegations, counter-claims and threats to sue for libel still coming thick and fast - the International Cricket Council ruled the matter closed without either clearing or convicting Pakistan. What was undeniable was that the tourists had bowled brilliantly to win a match against the odds and end England's hopes of a clean sweep. On Saturday Pakistan's innings, reduced to 50 overs after a delayed start, was frequently interrupted by rain, but they still managed enough momentum to total 204 for five. Captain Javed Miandad, troubled by a bad back and calling for a runner, masterminded affairs with an undefeated 50 off 60 balls, though he offered debutant wicket-keeper Blakey a stumping chance when 17. Botham, deputising as opener for the injured Gooch, launched England's pursuit by hitting Wasim Akram's first three deliveries to the boundary before a halt was called after just two overs. Conditions were far better for batting on Sunday, and England looked set for victory when they reached 172 for five shortly after lunch. Lamb, however, was caught behind, and Wasim and Waqar cleaned up the tail with some magnificent fast bowling - and the replacement ball.