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Why So Much Chatter Around Moeen Using Spray: Harbhajan Singh Defends England All-Rounder

image-lj5c7sopMoeen found himself on the wrong side of ICC's rules (AP Photo)

Fresh out of Test retirement, England all-rounder Moeen Ali found himself on the wrong side of the International Cricket Council (ICC)'s rules during the first Ashes 2023 Test at Edgbaston. Ali, 36, was imposed a 25 percent fine by the apex body for using relief spray on his injured finger while bowling on Day 2.

Apart from the match-fee fine, Ali has also been given one demerit point and could face sanctions if repeated again. Much hue and cry have happened over Ali's actions, and the fines imposed on him.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has defended Ali, saying that he doesn't understand all the noise about using a relief spray. Taking to Twitter, Singh said Ali's only mistake was not to inform the umpires and nothing else.


Here's what Singh Tweeted

"Don’t understand so much chatter around Moen Ali using spray on spinning fingers to numb the pain. Only issue is he should have informed the umpires, but if batsman gets a blister under the gloves, and he gets a spray. Will anyone even notice. Same logic, think about it ? #Ashes2023"

Ali claimed the wickets of Cameron Green and Travis Head on Day 2 and went on to pick the latter's wicket again in Australia's second innings on Day 5. 

Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg also criticised ICC for imposing such a hefty fine for using spray to numb his pain.

The Edgbaston Test ended with Australia chasing down 281 runs on the final day on Tuesday, thanks to a gutsy knock from skipper Pat Cummins, who scored 44 off 73, ably supported by Nathan Lyon.

The second Test begins June 28 at The Lord's.