India accused of breaking rules in fifth Test with questionable fielding tactic: ‘It’s cheating’
- India has been accused of cheating by fans
- Officials have employed strange field tactics
Furious cricket fans have taken to social media during the fifth Test to complain about Indian support staff breaking the rules with brutal fielding tactics.
On a number of occasions during the decisive fifth Test at the SCG, viewers noticed Indian team officials picking up the ball before it reached the boundary.
The move appears to be a ploy to preserve the energy of the fielders so that they don’t have to run towards the boundary.
Broadcaster Jim Maxwell noted that the move also kept the ball in better condition, as it did not roll out of the playing field.
However, the tactic has outraged fans.
“He’s done it the whole series. Can you imagine an Australian coach doing this in India?’ one fan posted on X.
Angry cricket fans have complained about Indian support staff breaking the rules with brutal fielding tactics
Australia will be chasing victory in the fifth Test at the SCG on Sunday
‘Why do officials handle the ball?’ asked another.
‘It’s cheating. It is the fielders’ job to collect the ball, not the Indian staff.”
Meanwhile, Australian coach Andrew McDonald has accused India of intimidating teenager Sam Konstas, claiming the ICC has set a benchmark by not punishing the tourists.
McDonald revealed on Saturday night that he went to check on Konstas’ welfare on Friday evening, following his on-field altercation with India captain Jasprit Bumrah in the fifth and deciding Test at the SCG.
Of particular interest to McDonald was the fact that several Indian players ran into Konstas’ face to celebrate after Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja on the last ball of the first day.
The incident came after Virat Kohli was fined 20 percent of his match fee in Melbourne on Boxing Day after making unnecessary contact with the opener between overs.
When asked if he felt the need to speak to Konstas about the on-field exchange with Bumrah, McDonald said he only did so to check on the 19-year-old.
“My conversation with him was just about whether he was okay,” McDonald said.
The tone is set for an entertaining finale to the five-match series
“Obviously, the way India celebrated that was quite intimidating. It is clearly within the rules and regulations of the game as no charges have been filed.
‘To provide opposition to the non-striker, we have a duty of care to ensure that he is doing well and that he is able to go out and perform the next day.’
Asked whether he felt India had gone too far by rushing Konstas, McDonald suggested a precedent had been set.
“Obviously it’s acceptable because there were no fines or penalties,” he said.
‘I leave that to the ICC and Andy Pycroft as match referee and the referees outside of that.
“If they thought it was satisfactory, then I think that’s the benchmark we’re playing towards.”