Xtra Time Web Desk: India captain Virat Kohli was literally not happy with England opener Haseeb Hameed’s action as he was seen taking guard outside the crease and then repeatedly making a mark there with his shoes. The incident took place during the start of England innings in the final session on Day 1 of the fourth test match at The Oval on Thursday. England openers Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed walked into face the new ball after they bowled out India for 191.
Hameed first took his guard like every batsman does and then, also took a similar guard far away from the crease repeatedly making a mark there with his shoes. This action of Hameed annoyed India captain Virat Kohli as he rushed towards the on field umpires to draw their attention. Kohli was seen arguing with the umpires as he felt the pitch might be tinkered. The matter did not last long as Hameed was soon dismissed for 12-ball duck to leave England struggling at 6/2.
According to MCC rule 41.15.1: “The striker shall not adopt a stance in the protected area or so close to it that frequent encroachment is inevitable.
“The striker may mark a guard on the pitch provided that no mark is unreasonably close to the protected area.”
In Hameed’s case, however, the umpires did not think he was invading the danger area and hence was not given a warning.
Here’s the video of Kohli complaining to umpires and Hameed taking guard: