ENG v IND 2021: ‘Not deliberate’, says India batting coach after allegations of ball tampering against England

The controversial incident occurred during the fourth day’s play at Lord's.

By Salman Anjum - 16 Aug, 2021

A controversial incident has emerged from the fourth day’s action of the ongoing second Test between England and India at Lord’s.

In a video doing rounds on social media, one England player passed the ball to another, who pressed his spikes on the red cherry, raising a debate as allegations of ball tampering flew thick and fast.

See Also: ‘What’s going on’- Sehwag asks after England players caught scuffing ball with spikes

However, Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour felt it was "not deliberate".

"We saw it much later but I don't think it was deliberate," Rathour said at the post-day press conference.

Earlier, it was speculated that the accusations of ball tampering might put the hosts in trouble but the Indian team hasn't lodged an official complaint with match referee.

The incident was from the 32nd over of India’s second innings when Mark Wood passed the red cherry to Rory Burns in between one of his deliveries.

Instead of taking the ball in his hand, Wood pushed it with his shoes and Burns was seen stamping his spikes against it.

Later on, veteran England pacer Stuart Broad defended Wood and Burns with a tweet stating: “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.”

(With PTI inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 16 Aug, 2021

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