IND vs ENG: Kohli, Stokes exchange words before umpire intervenes
The way things unfolded in the buildup to the ongoing fourth Test between India and England, it was expected that emotions would spill over from both camps. After the third Test ended within two days, the English cricket fraternity had come down hard on the Indian team and the pitch. The likes of Michael Vaughan, David Lloyd, Andrew Strauss and others had criticised the pitch used for the third Test.
The reason behind their displeasure was India’s ten-wicket win that took no time. Some former cricketers also took shots at India skipper Virat Kohli for defending the pitch. So, it kind of expected that the players might get involved in verbal duels on the field following all the talk surrounding the pitch. And such an incident was witnessed in the very first session of the Test.
Kohli and Ben Stokes were involved in an animated verbal duel and umpire Virender Sharma had to intervene to bring things under control. The incident happened right before the start of the 14th over when Kohli walked up to Stokes to say something. While the reason behind the scuffle is still not known, Kohli’s reaction made it clear that he was not at all happy.
Stokes, on the other hand, looked like giving clarification. At one stage, Kohli even took off his goggles but before things could get worse, the umpire separated the two. In the 15th over, pacer Mohammed Siraj was also seen having a word or two with Stokes after being hit for a four.
What’s going on here lads? ?????????#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/lThox51Pp4
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) March 4, 2021
India start on a strong note
Talking about the game, India started extremely well with the ball after England won the toss and decided to bat first. In-form Axar Patel continued his red-hot form and sent back English openers Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley cheaply. And even before the hosts could recover from those setbacks, Siraj struck to remove Joe Root and reduced England to 30 for 3. By Lunch on Day 1, England were 74/3 in 25 overs.
