Ponting’s Disapproval of Jaiswal’s Actions

Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting expressed his dissatisfaction with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s behavior during the final moments of the opening session on the third day of the fifth Test between India and England. Jaiswal’s actions, perceived as time-wasting, occurred after India captain Shubman Gill executed a superb drive to the boundary and then sprinted for a double. As Jaiswal hobbled at the non-striker’s end, pointing to his hamstring, the delay ensured it was the last over before lunch. Despite appearing fine as he returned to the dressing room, Jaiswal’s antics sparked reactions from the England players.

On-Field Tensions and Verbal Exchanges

The incident led to a heated exchange between players, with Ben Duckett at the center of verbal jabs. Shubman Gill intervened to calm Jaiswal before they headed back to the dressing room. Ponting criticized Jaiswal’s actions, referencing previous incidents at Lord’s where India had complained about similar tactics by English players. Ponting’s comments were reported by Sky Sports.

Diverging Opinions on On-Field Drama

In contrast to Ponting’s criticism, former England fast bowler Stuart Broad appreciated the drama between India and England players throughout the series. He noted that such incidents added excitement and entertainment value.

Historical Context of India-England Rivalry

This was not an isolated incident in the intense five-match series between India and England. During the third Test at Lord’s, tempers flared when India accused England opener Zak Crawley of time-wasting after he moved away from a delivery by Jasprit Bumrah. The situation escalated when Crawley sustained a blow on his glove and called for medical attention, leading to a fiery exchange with Indian players.

Continued Drama in Subsequent Tests

The tension persisted into the fourth Test in Manchester, where England captain Ben Stokes offered to end the match early with a handshake. However, Indian players Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar declined, aiming to complete their centuries. The exchange was captured on stump mic, adding another layer of drama to an already contentious series.