"It's a tactical ploy" - Alastair Cook slams Ravichandran Ashwin for running on the protected area

Former England cricketer Alastair Cook shared his verdict on Ravichandran Ashwin getting penalized for running on the protected area of the pitch. He believes that it was a deliberate move because he wanted help from the pitch when he came to bowl.

Ravichandran Ashwin was the talk of the town on Day 3 of the ongoing Test match against England. The match between the teams is taking place at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The off-spinner first played a decent hand with the ball and then contributed with the ball as well.

Ravichandran Ashwin played a decent hand with the bat and helped India go past 400 runs on the board. The off-spinner along with Dhruv Jurel put England bowlers under pressure and played some crisp shots in his innings. He looked solid at the crease as well.

During his innings, Ravichandran Ashwin made an error. In the 104th over of India’s innings, he played a delivery from Rehan Ahmed towards the off-side and took off. He walked in the middle of the pitch for the first few steps. However, umpire Joel Wilson took note of that.

This was the second time Ravichandran Ashwin made the error. His antics cost India as the umpire gave 5 runs to England. The innings began at 5/0. The off-spinner then was also seen having an animated chat with the umpires related to the same.

Alastair Cook, however, believes that it was a tactical ploy by Ravichandran Ashwin to disturb the middle of the pitch. He believes that it was gamesmanship from the off-spinner. Talking doing commentary for TNT Sports, he explained:

“Is it deliberate? Yes, it is. It’s a tactical ploy that you can disturb the middle of the wicket because Ashwin as much as help [as possible] when he bowls. That was gamesmanship there, wasn’t it?”

Ravichandran Ashwin completes 500 wickets with ball in Tests

Ravichandran Ashwin then hogged the headlines with the ball in the ongoing game. The all-rounder removed Zak Crawley which helped him claim his 500 wickets in Test cricket, becoming only the second Indian bowler to achieve the feat after Anil Kumble, who picked 619 wickets in his career.

Ravichandran Ashwin dedicated his 500 Test wickets to his father. He lavished rich praise on his dad, saying that he has been with him through thick and thin. Speaking to broadcasters, he explained:

“It’s been quite a long journey. Firstly I’d like to dedicate this feat to my father. He’s been with me through thick and thin, probably had a heart-attack every time he’s watched me play. His health has probably gone for a toss because of that.

Ravichandran Ashwin will now be eager to make an impact with the ball on Day 3 of the game. He will have to play a huge role if India has to make a comeback in the match. He bowled pretty well on Day 2 but England bowlers played him well.

It is fair to say that if he has a good outing on day 3, India will be on the top.