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ENG Start Day 3 With Bethell After Denying Umpire's Request To Bowl Spinners On Day 2

Abhinav Tyagi

Ollie Pope - (Source : @ECB/X.Com)Ollie Pope - (Source : @ECB/X.Com)

The play on Day 3 of the fifth Test between India and England is underway at the Kia Oval in London. Stand-in skipper Ollie Pope started the proceedings by handing the first over of the day to Jacob Bethell, who is playing his first Test against India. 

The move didn't go as planned because Akash Deep, who walked in late on Day 2 as night watchman, collected six runs off the first over on Day 3, which also featured a boundary.

Pope's Wierd Tactic On Day 3 Criticised

While the move to hand a new ball and the first over of the day to a spinner didn't make much of a sense, it also raised eyebrows on Ollie Pope's weird tactic. Notably, the play was supposed to end by 12:00 am IST. However, stumps were taken ten minutes early because of bad lights. 

Meanwhile, the umpire had presented Ollie Pope with the option to play for the remainder of the session, but only bowl spinners. However, the stand-in skipper refused the proposal and decided to end the play as Pope didn't want to give away free runs. 

The move was heavily appreciated by England pundits. But, it certainly became a topic of criticism on Day 3 as fans pointed out that if Bethell was only to be brought into the attack, then Pope could have bowled more overs on Friday. 

Bethell Not Having A Desired Start vs England

Jacob Bethell is having a Test to forget as the southpaw failed to shine with the bat and only amassed 6 (14), which featured a four before getting out after a jaffa by Mohammed Siraj. 

Talking about the ongoing match, Bethell was given just one over in the match and then removed from the attack. Further, India are 101/2 after 23 overs and lead by 78 runs in the match.