England clinched a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Old Trafford, but the match was marred by controversy over a ball change. Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews criticized the decision by umpires Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel to change the ball after the 41st over of Sri Lanka's second innings, which Mathews claimed unfairly shifted the momentum in England's favor. At the time of the change, Sri Lanka was 146/4 with a slender 24-run lead, and Mathews was well-set on 59. The new ball significantly aided England's bowlers, leading to Mathews' dismissal and a collapse of the Sri Lankan innings. This incident has sparked debate over the fairness of ball changes and recalls similar controversies during previous matches involving England.