Team India finally had some positives in the fourth Test against England at Manchester. After a dismal opening session, the visitors bounced back in the next two sessions, finishing the Day at 174-2 with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill well set at 87 and 78 runs respectively.
There were several moments such as Ben Stokes century, Chris Woakes’ two successive wickets in the first overs, where he dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan on back to back deliveries, but what caught the attention of the fans was a fielding moment by Brydon Carse during India’s second innings.
Also Read | KL Rahul Scripts History, becomes 2nd Asian Opener to Score 500+ Runs in England Test Series
Brydon Carse Steps on the Ball: Is it Ball Tampering?
Brydon Carse stepped over the ball while fielding which raised the eyebrows of many. Fans on social media now claim that it was a clear incident of ‘Ball Tampering’.
According to the law, any action that changes the condition of the ball is considered as ‘Ball Tampering’.
Carse, who was wearing spiked shoes, stepped on the ball and fans believe that the spikes might have changed the condition of the ball and hence, they are claiming this action as ‘Ball Tampering'.
Watch the video here:
Earlier in India’s first innings in this game, Yashasvi Jaiswal was also heard on the stump mic saying “Esa lag raha hai bana rahe hai ball bhai, Achanak itna swing kese hone, kya laga rahe hai ball pe? [It seems like they are altering the ball, how suddenly is the swing happening, what are they applying on the ball?]”
The Indian opener was heard saying this post 30 overs when the ball usually swings less compared to the new ball.
Now this action of Brydon Carse adds fuel to the speculation of ‘Ball Tampering'. However, CricketGully does not make any claims, as this could have occurred unintentionally.
Also Read | Will Gambhir Be Sacked Like Nayar if India Lose to England?
England Eyes Victory, India Fights for a Draw
Coming back to the game, England is leading by 137 runs, after scoring 669 runs in their first innings. They will aim to scalp some early wickets in the opening session of the final Day, to strengthen their chances of winning this game as well as the series by 3-1.
However, this will not be a cake walk for the hosts as Rahul and Gill have spent enough time on the crease and to add to India’s positives, the coaching staff has clarified that Rishabh Pant, despite suffering an injury while batting in the 1st innings, is all set to bat again in the second innings.
Unfortunately, the 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is however ruled out of the fifth and the last match of the series at The Oval. Tamil Nadu’s N Jagadeesan has been named as a replacement as a back-up keeper for Dhruv Jurel.
