Mohammed Siraj Fied Up - (Source : @ScreenGrab/X.com)
England did exactly what was needed, holding firm and not losing a single wicket in the first session on Day 5. After lunch, the Three Lions are 117/0 and require 254 runs to win in the remaining two sessions.
While the hosts enjoyed the first session, it was a frustrating two hours for the visitors. Drama unfolded at Headingley just before lunch as Mohammed Siraj got into a heated altercation with the English openers.
Why Did Siraj Get Into a Verbal Altercation?
Siraj came on to bowl around 5:25 PM, and India had the opportunity to sneak in one more over before lunch if the right-arm seamer bowled his over quickly. As expected, the 31-year-old sprinted back to his mark after every delivery and was on course to finish the over before 5:30.
However, Zak Crawley, who was at the striker’s end, sensed the plan and began wasting time. The right-handed batter backed away just as Siraj was about to bowl the last ball of the over, signalling towards the sight-screen.
It was clear that Crawley intended to slow things down, as there was nothing wrong with the sight-screen. This did not sit well with the Indian team, particularly Siraj, who was furious at the umpire and directed a strong verbal rebuke at the openers after bowling his final delivery.
Siraj, visibly upset, came close to Ben Duckett to express his displeasure and also addressed Crawley directly. Watch the video here.
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal Express Displeasure
It wasn’t just Siraj who lost his cool. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were also unhappy with Crawley’s antics. Rahul spoke to the English opener as he walked back towards the pavilion, stating that there was nothing wrong with the sight screen and that it was just a tactic to slow the game down.
Jaiswal joined in, laughing sarcastically at Crawley, who gave away his plan by responding with a smile.
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