 "Rishabh Pant was getting angry after umpire denied his request to change the ball. Image: X/@flamboypant")
India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant was seen having a heated argument with the on-field umpire during Day 3 of the first Test match against England in Leeds. The incident happened in the first session of play when Pant looked unhappy with the condition of the ball.
It was during the 63rd over of England’s innings when Ben Stokes and Harry Brook were at the crease. Pant, who was keeping wickets, walked up to umpire Paul Reiffel and asked him to check the ball. He apparently felt that the ball was no longer in good shape.
Pant throws ball in anger
The umpire checked by passing the ball through the standard gauge used to see if the ball is still fit to be used in the game. However, the umpire decided that the ball was fine and did not make any changes. Pant did not agree with the decision. A video of the moment is now going viral, showing Pant throwing the ball in anger.
India’s ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah was seen having a word with the umpire after he denied Pant’s request to change the ball.
England put up a strong fight with the bat on Day 3, finishing at 327/5 at lunch. The home team is still trailing India’s first-innings total but will be happy with the way their batters performed, especially Ollie Pope, who scored a brilliant century.
India had an early breakthrough this morning when they removed Pope for 106. However, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes provided some resistance before the latter got out to Mohammed Siraj. Brook remained unbeaten on 57 and was joined by Jamie Smith, who also looked confident and was not out on 29.