Virat Kohli gets angry: India and England are currently playing the 4th test at Kennigton, Oval. India were bowled out for 191 on Day 1. After the stumps on Day 1, England have scored 53 runs losing 3 wickets along with their veteran captain Joe Root. The five match test series is currently tied at 1-1. Whichever team wins the 4th test will lead the series by 2-1.
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However, Virat Kohli was extremely unhappy when England were batting on Day 1. The English batsmen were taking a guard outside the crease to counter the swing. Rishabh pant was also found doing so when India were batting in the first innings. The English players started doing the same but there was a small difference. When the English batsmen were batting there was a rough on the pitch. The English batsmen were trying to bat very close to it. According to the rule, batsmen should not be found doing so as it means they will be stepping onto it repeatedly which disrupts the pitch even further.
Here’s a video of Harsha Bogle explaining the rule in the commentary box.
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Virat Kohli was seen protesting about the issue to the umpires. But the umpires paid no heed and allowed the English batsmen (mainly Haseeb Hameed) to continue to do so. This is an unfair advantage taken by English batsmen. This could be a major problem if the pitch starts to turn or cut in the next four days. England could use this as their advantage and bowl out India quickly in the 2nd innings.
Former cricketers and commentators were surprised by the umpire’s decision to not give a warning to the English players. The umpires were standing in the pitch even though Virat Kohli was complaining about the issue. Abiding by the rules of the game and protecting the pitch is the umpire’s duty. If the pitch starts to disrupt in the final days of the play, we will know who it is to blame.
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