Former England skipper Alastair Cook reckons Ashwin’s actions that cost the side a penalty in IND vs ENG 3rd Test is a ‘tactical ploy’. England started their first innings with five runs on board, thanks to Jadeja and Ashwin infringing the rules by running in the middle of the pitch.
IND vs ENG: Cook thinks Ashwin’s actions are motivated
Speaking to TNT sports, Cook opines that Ashwin’s actions were deliberate. He thinks it is a ploy to disturb the middle of the wicket in order for the spinner to get help when he bowls.
“Is it deliberate? Yes, it is. It’s a tactical ploy that you can disturb the middle of the wicket because Ashwin wants as much help when he bowls. That was gamesmanship there, wasn’t it?” Cook remarks.
The visitors were awarded five penalty runs by umpire Joel Wilson, after India batsman R Ashwin was found running in the centre of the pitch.
This wasn’t the first time something like that happened during this match, as on Thursday, even Ravindra Jadeja was found guilty of the same offence, twice, and was warned for the same.