With the five-match series level at 1-1, all eyes turned to Lord’s for the third Test between India and England. India made a key change in their lineup, bringing back pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in place of Prasidh Krishna. England, meanwhile, chose to bowl first under bright skies and sunny conditions, hoping to make early inroads.
Before play began, Bumrah was seen going through his pre-match routine, marking his run-up and heading toward the pitch to get a sense of the conditions. As he reached the edge of the square to assess the surface, the fourth umpire quickly intervened, reminding Bumrah that he could not step onto the wicket area wearing spikes. It was a precautionary move to protect the playing surface before the match officially got underway.
Bumrah acknowledged the instruction but couldn’t resist adding a playful twist. In a light-hearted moment, he raised one foot over the surface and stood on one leg in mock defiance, drawing a smile from the onlookers.
However, the umpire reiterated the restriction, this time pointing out that even Bumrah’s shadow was falling on the pitch. The pacer then humorously took a step back before walking away from the area, ending the brief exchange.
Later in the day, Anil Kumble, providing commentary, shared a nostalgic anecdote from the 1990s. He recalled how strict the rules were back then—even on the day before a match, players weren’t allowed to step onto the main ground. Kumble mentioned how cricketers had to take the longer route around the field just to reach the practice nets on the Nursery Ground, highlighting the contrast with today’s relaxed protocols.
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The incident quickly went viral, with fans on Twitter amused by Bumrah’s cheeky antics and reflective over how much the game has evolved. The moment served as a reminder of the shift in traditions over time—from rigid discipline in the past to today’s lighter, more player-friendly atmosphere—all while still respecting the spirit and integrity of the game.