Here is why Eoin Morgan has been wearing two caps during the T20Is against India

As England beat India in the third T20I match in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, captain Eoin Morgan received a lot of praises from experts for putting proper plans in action for his bowlers to succeed. The fact that it was his 100th T20I match and ended in an England win would also give him a lot of satisfaction. But, after the match, people on social media were talking about the absurdity of him wearing two caps on his head while on the field. 

Many, during the course of the three matches played so far, have spotted the English captain with two caps on his head. But one can be surprised to know that it has nothing to do with him trying a new style, instead it is a forced move. Before COVID, bowlers were allowed to hand over their caps to the umpires while they are bowling. 

However, due to the post-pandemic risks and danger of the transmission of the coronavirus, the International Cricket Council has come up with some specific norms for the players. According to the protocol, players have to take care of their own items and are not allowed to ask the umpires to keep them. 

COVID protocols force captain Eoin Morgan to sport two caps

The rule states that “On-field protocols – For example, no unnecessary body contact and no handing over items (cap, towels, sunglasses etc.) to umpires or teammates. Each player should be responsible for their own items.” The rule has restricted the bowlers from giving their caps to the umpire. This is exactly where Morgan’s two caps come into the picture. 

As the players are living in the same biosecure bubble, it is allowed for them to hold on to each other’s stuff. A similar example of this had happened during the Sydney Test between India and Australia. Ravichandran Ashwin’s chest guard had to be carried by Hanuma Vihari when he was not facing the fast-bowlers. 

The risk of COVID spreading has also forced BCCI to opt for a no crowds policy during the last three T20Is in Ahmedabad. The stadium hosted the first two matches with a 50 per cent crowd, which was approximately 66,000 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The ODI series in Pune will also be played behind closed doors due to the same reason.