‘He’s not happy’: India handed rare cricket penalty as England batters given headstart

Five runs were added to England’s total before the tourists had even faced a ball after India was handed a stunning mid-innings penalty.

India on Friday was hit with a five-run penalty during the third Test of its series against England after two batters walked down the protected area of the pitch during the hosts’ innings.

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja on Thursday was given a final warning for running down the pitch during his knock of 112 – his fourth Test century.

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Then facing England spinner Rehan Ahmed on Friday, Ravichandran Ashwin defended the ball into the covers and set off for a run down the middle of the pitch before retreating back to his crease.

Ashwin was then seen gesturing and having a discussion with umpire Joel Wilson on the morning of day two in Rajkot.

“He’s not happy with the umpire. He’s remonstrating,” ex-England spinner Graeme Swann said in commentary.

“But he did run straight down the pitch.

“You’re not allowed down the middle of the pitch – and I’m sorry, Mr Ashwin, you’re caught bang to right there.”

Ashwin attempted to argue his case with Wilson, who then put his arm around the batter’s shoulder and indicated five to signal the penalty.

It means England will start its first innings 0-5, without facing a ball, as a result of the offence.

“Wow. Now the second time I’ve seen this happen,” commentator Sanjay Manjrekar said.

“We told you last time yesterday when Jadeja ran down the pitch that that was the final warning.

“So with that gesture and signal from the umpire, we can confirm that its five penalty runs.”

Legendary India spinner and ex-captain Anil Kumble said the umpires made the right call.

“The umpires have that area to themselves. You can’t go there, it’s forbidden,” Kumble said during the lunch break.

“There were warnings yesterday … But he (Ashwin) probably didn’t realise there were already warnings, so that might be one of the reasons why he had a chat with the umpire.”

Former England spinner Phil Tufnell joked on BBC Radio: “Ashwin has got the long spikes on, running up the pitch – something only a good spinner would do.”

According to the laws of cricket, “deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch” is an offence.

“A batter will be deemed to be causing avoidable damage if either umpire considers that his/her presence on the pitch is without reasonable cause,” the laws state.

The incident came at the start of Ashwin and debutant India wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel’s promising eighth-wicket partnership.