Former Indian opener, Virender Sehwag asked on social media if England were intentionally tampering with the condition of the ball during the fourth day of the ongoing second Test of the 5-match series against India at Lord’s. Sehwag tweeted a screenshot from the broadcast of the match in which an England player can be seen stomping on the ball with his spikes.
In his tweet, Virender Sehwag wrote: “Yeh kya ho raha hai (What’s happening here). Is it ball tampering by Eng ya covid preventive measures.”
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Among those that joined Sehwag in asking the question on social media was former India opener Aakash Chopra. “Ball Tampering, eh?” said Chopra in his tweet.
Yeh kya ho raha hai.
Is it ball tampering by Eng ya covid preventive measures 😀 pic.twitter.com/RcL4I2VJsC— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 15, 2021
Ball tampering, eh? #EngvInd
— Wear a Mask. Stay Safe, India (@cricketaakash) August 15, 2021
England fast bowler Stuart Broad, who has been ruled out of the entire Test series owing to a calf injury, said that it was something far more innocuous. He wrote: “My comments are- Woody tried to nutmeg Burnsy by tapping the ball through his legs (a very common occurrence) & he missed and kicked the ball there by accident. Instead of screenshotting the pic, watch the video quite plain & easy to see.”
My comments are- Woody tried to nut meg Burnsy by tapping the ball through his legs (a very common occurrence) & he missed and kicked the ball there by accident. Instead of screenshotting the pic, watch the video- quite plain & easy to see
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) August 15, 2021
Stuart Broad replied to a few more tweets asking him to explain the England players’ actions. In another comment, he wrote: “As I’m sure you’re aware form watching the full footage- it wasn’t deliberate was it. End of Story.”
As I’m sure you’re aware form watching the full footage- it wasn’t deliberate was it. End of Story
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) August 15, 2021
After taking three wickets in the first session, England was pegged back in the second by Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, as they made a brilliant partnership of 100+ runs and ensured India did not lose a wicket in the afternoon session.
India put up a total of 364 runs after which England took a lead of 27 runs. They posted 391 runs in their first innings as well. Meanwhile, Joe Root held the fort from one end which frustrated Indian bowlers who were unable to dismiss him. Amid this time, James Anderson came to bat on the third day.
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After not getting a wicket, Jasprit Bumrah became tired as well as frustrated and came to bowl towards the end of the day, while James Anderson was on the strike. And, soon after the first ball hit him on his helmet after which the veteran had a mandatory concussion test. However, Bumrah didn’t stop and continued to bowl bouncers at him. Along with this, Bumrah also bowled four no-balls which saw a ten-ball over as well.
