Due to Ravichandran Ashwin’s UNFAIR play, England to start innings at 5/0 in third Test, check why

According to Marylebone Cricket Council's (MCC) Law 41.14.1, it is unfair for a batter to run along the middle of the pitch.

Due to Ravichandran Ashwin’s UNFAIR play, England to start innings at 5/0 in third Test, check why

Ravichandran Ashwin (Image via ESPNcricinfo)

On Friday (February 16) at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, Ravichandran Ashwin‘s mistake cost India a five-run penalty in the third Test against England. The veteran all-rounder was running along the middle of the pitch, so the on-field umpire, Joel Wilson, reprimanded him.

This happened during the 102nd over of India’s first innings when Rehan Ahmed was bowling. After Ashwin pushed the ball toward the off-side, he called for a single but debutant Dhruv Jurel stopped him and that’s when Ashwin ran down the pitch. For this very reason, England will be starting their innings with 5/0.

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According to Marylebone Cricket Council‘s (MCC) Law 41.14.1, it is unfair for a batter to run along the middle of the pitch.

It is unfair to cause deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch. If the striker enters the protected area while playing or playing at the ball, he/she must move it immediately thereafter. A batter will be deemed to be causing avoidable damage if either umpire considers that his/her presence on the pitch is a reasonable cause.
The Law states

Alaister Cook says Ravichandran Ashwin did it deliberately

It was a rare punishment for India. Though Ravichandran Ashwin argued with umpire Joel Wilson, India couldn’t save themselves from the penalty. Former England captain Alastair Cook deemed the entire thing as “deliberate“, saying doing so Ashwin would have got some advantage while bowling.

Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin (Image via ESPNcricinfo)
Is it deliberate? Yes, it is. It's a tactical ploy that you can disturb the middle of the wicket because Ashwin wants as much help [as possible] when he can bowl.
Cook said on TNT Sports

Ravindra Jadeja was warned by the umpire on Day 1 in Rajkot for running down the pitch.

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