India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was the focal point of the proceedings on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s, producing a hot-tempered display characterized by intensity, exasperation, and high drama. Having hit twice in the morning session and edged narrowly short of a third on review, Siraj continued to wreak havoc in the post-lunch session.
Joe Root Gets Saved, Umpire Comes Under Scanner
The biggest controversy of the day arrived in the 38th over, when Siraj bowled a delivery that snuck back sharply into Joe Root, England’s most reliable batter. Root had moved forward and across in a bid to cut off the movement, but missed the ball completely and was hit dead in front of middle stump. Siraj and the Indian players were sure it was plumb. With no inside edge in it, it was sure to be three reds on DRS.
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India’s Review
But on-field umpire Paul Reiffel was not convinced. When India chose to review, the replay revealed the ball touching the pads but the impact was negligible, resulting in an ‘umpire’s call’ decision. The Indian camp was shocked. Siraj, visibly furious, let out a scream of exasperation and glared in the direction of the umpire before trudging back to his mark.
Anil Kumble’s Strong Response To Jonathan Trott’s Comment
Former Indian opener Abhinav Mukund, who was commentating, said that Siraj seemed to “stare down” Reiffel in shock. Even former India captain and legendary spinner Anil Kumble made a sarcastic comment during the live match. When commentator Jonathan Trott reacted to the close shave, Kumble retorted with wit that highlighted the team’s annoyance at the decision.
“You thought it was crashing into the inside of the stump. When you saw that normal speed, it was hardly missing leg-stump. England survive again. India animated.” Jonathan Trott said
“It seems Paul Reiffel has decided that it is going to be not out. Anything close, not out.” Anil Kumble gave a strong reply back
India Bounces Back
Luckily for India, the lost opportunity did not turn out to be expensive. Soon enough, Washington Sundar came with the breakthrough by sending Root back for 40. The off-spinner followed it up by getting Jamie Smith out for a mere 8, leaving England in further trouble. At Tea, the home team was struggling at 175/6, with India firmly in control.
This Test is now well-placed going into the last phase, particularly after both teams concluded their respective first innings with the same score of 387. With the match more or less reducing to a struggle of the second innings, Siraj’s aggression and Sundar’s tightness may turn the tide in India’s favor.
