Sunil Gavaskar, a former Indian cricketer, expressed significant displeasure of England’s fielding plan on Day 3 of the third Test against India at Lord’s. Gavaskar was noticeably angry during the opening session as England set an unusually heavy leg-side field, with up to seven fielders deployed while KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant batted.
While English bowlers did not always use short-pitched deliveries, Gavaskar compared the approach to ‘bodyline’ bowling because of its restrictive aspect and apparent desire to limit scoring possibilities. He claimed that such techniques violated the spirit of the game and urged Sourav Ganguly, chairman of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, to address the matter and ensure that the game does not deviate from fair play.
“That’s not cricket at all. “Sourav Ganguly, the head of the ICC cricket committee, is listening; please ensure that there are six fielders on the leg side the next time,”
Sunil Gavaskar urged, as quoted by NDTV Sports.
KL Rahul closed in on a well-deserved century as India reached 248 for four at lunch on Day 3 of the third Test against England at Lord’s. The star opener stayed undefeated on 98, taking India through the morning session alongside Rishabh Pant, who hit a fluent 74 before being run out in the final over before the break, thanks to a bull’s eye throw by English captain Ben Stokes.
India started the day at 145 for three, with Rahul and Pant continuing their partnership. The duo kept the clock ticking, scoring 103 runs in the morning session. Their efforts enabled India cut the deficit to 139 runs after England’s 387-run first innings.
Rahul remained controlled and graceful throughout his innings, playing numerous wonderful drives and flicks, but the highlight of his innings came when he delivered a precise back-foot punch through the covers to Brydon Carse.
Pant, on the other hand, demonstrated his customary ferocity in the crease. He completed his half-century with a hooked six over deep fine leg off England captain Ben Stokes. He also smashed his 88th six in Test cricket, passing Rohit Sharma to become India’s second-most prolific six-hitter in the format, trailing only Virender Sehwag.
However, shortly before the interval, Pant was bowled by Stokes with a stunning direct hit at the non-striker’s end, ending a crucial stand with Rahul. Despite losing Pant, India finished the session on a high note and will try to build further in the post-lunch phase, with Rahul close to a well-deserved century.
India
