 "Joe Root looks on after the ball hits the helmet placed on the ground. Image: Reuters")
In a rare and unexpected moment during the opening Test between England and India at Headingley, England were hit with a five-run penalty, leaving former captain Joe Root stunned. The incident happened during India’s first innings on Day 1 of the match.
With Yashasvi Jaiswal and new Test skipper Shubman Gill at the crease, India were already in a strong position after a solid opening stand. England had won the toss and elected to bowl first. Jaiswal and KL Rahul forged a brilliant opening partnership before the latter was dismissed by Ben Stokes.
England punished for rare violation
Then came the bizarre moment. Jaiswal was batting and he smashed a Ben Stokes delivery, which flew towards the slips. The ball deflected off Harry Brook and then touched Root’s hand and went straight into a set of helmets lying on the ground behind the wicketkeeper.
Even though no run was taken by the batters, umpire Richard Kettleborough immediately signalled a five-run penalty in favour of India. The rule behind this penalty is quite old and is rarely seen being applied during play. According to Law 28 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, if the ball touches a helmet placed on the field, the batting team is awarded five penalty runs. The ball also becomes dead instantly.
India vs England, 1st Test - Day 1
India made a strong start to the first Test, finishing Day 1 on a commanding 359/3 in 85 overs. Jaiswal laid the foundation with a fluent 101 off 159 balls and Gill led from the front with an unbeaten 127 off 175 deliveries. Rishabh Pant provided solid support with 65 not out off 102 balls. India will look to build on this strong platform on Day 2.
Meanwhile, England will aim to bounce back after a disappointing start. Despite having the advantage of winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, their inexperienced bowling attack struggled to make an impact on the opening day. Stokes was the pick of the bowlers for the home side as he picked up 2 wickets for 43 runs in 13 overs.