Kolkata: The viewers are not the only one confused with the new set of rules in cricket that came into effect from October 1, the on field umpires and players are also having a difficult time to come to terms with it. Umpires Joel Wilson and Nigel Llong failed to pick up a clear case of fake fielding during third day’s play of the India Sri Lanka 1st Test at Kolkata.
After a stop and start two days of Test cricket, sunshine on Day 3 was a welcome change that allowed plenty of on-field action including an incident that sparked off a huge debate in the commentary box and irked Indian captain Virat Kohli.
It was in the 53rd over of the Indian innings, when Bhuvneshwar Kumar pushed a Dasun Shanaka delivery past covers and Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal went after it, put in a slide and intended to throw without even having the ball in his hand. The ball was well beyond him.
It was a clear case of ‘fake fielding’ and according to the new rules, India should have been awarded 5 penalty runs. Surprisingly, umpire Nigel Llong failed to notice this and Chandimal got away.
The other umpire Joel Wilson, who is standing in for Richard Kettleborough, who had to pull out because of a throat infection was seen having a word with Chandimal later in the next over.
Indian captain Virat Kohli was clearly not impressed with the proceedings and even signaled for five runs from the dressing room.
The incident also attracted a heated discussion in the commentary box with Sunil Gavaskar and Simon Doull providing contradicting views.
"There are some real knowledgeable people who have given a green signal to this rule. Men who have been in the thick of things believe 5 penalty runs must be awarded to the batting side when a fielder tries to destract the batsman by pretending to throw the ball from the boundary when he is not even close to collect it," said Gavaskar.
"Well all I can say Sunny is sometimes even the smartest of people make the stupidest of mistakes. But when the rule is there, that should have been five runs to India." Doull countered him.
Whatever the reason, India were deprived off five runs and on a difficult pitch where run scoring is scarce, that could cost them as the Test match progrsses.