IND vs NZ: Ravi Ashwin involved in an argument with Nitin Menon over bowling with a diagonal run-up

Ravi Ashwin literally challenges every rule in the cricket book and unfortunately, involves himself in the controversy. Something similar happened during the third day’s play in the ongoing first Test between India and New Zealand in Kanpur. He altered his bowling style and started delivering with a diagonal run-up in a bid to pick wickets in the first session.

But that led to him coming in the way of umpire Nitin Menon who objected his action and led to an animated exchange between the two. The umpire also involved the skipper Ajinkya Rahane after Ashwin didn’t budge and they were involved in an animated exchange for some time.

It isn’t clear what was actually said in the middle. Going by the rule book, the off-spinner was absolutely within his rights to bowl with a diagonal run-up and was also not running on the danger area of the pitch. But his run-up was not only disturbing umpire’s view, it seemed Ashwin was also coming in between the non-striker at the other end.

Ashwin argues with umpire Nitin Menon pic.twitter.com/R5qMxyeDi0

— Sunaina Gosh (@Sunainagosh7) November 27, 2021

Nitin Menon – if u go across I cannot see lbw.

Ashwin – u didn't see the last time anyway https://t.co/K8xnltBMtK

— ∆nkit🏏 (@CaughtAtGully) November 27, 2021

Ashwin goes back to the traditional way of bowling

After all the animated discussions in the middle, Ravi Ashwin had to stop bowling diagonally, and go back to the traditional way. India head coach Rahul Dravid was also seen discussing the issue with the match referee Javagal Srinath. The conversation between them isn’t disclosed yet but it certainly led to Ashwin not bowling that way again for the rest of the innings.

As far as the game is concerned, India made a stunning comeback in the post-lunch session picking up four wickets and not letting New Zealand score many runs. Axar Patel was the man to do the damage picking three wickets while Ravindra Jadeja sent back Rachin Ravindra pegging back his off-stump. The last session will be crucial for both teams as India will look to eke out a lead while the Kiwis will be keen on getting close to the hosts’ first innings score.