‘Mankad Loading?’ – Fans react as India get penalized by five runs during third Test vs England; Know why

The second day’s play between India and England in Rajkot saw major controversy erupt. Joel Wilson gave five penalty runs to the visiting side as Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley will start at 5/0.

The incident took place when Ravichandran Ashwin was facing Rehan Ahmed in the 102^nd over. The umpire was quick to spot Ashwin running to the danger area of the pitch and quickly turned around.

It didn’t take the umpire long to award five penalty runs to England for the huge lapse of judgment from Ashwin. Meanwhile, the Indian team management wasn’t happy. Skipper Rohit Sharma could be seen in a grumpy mood after the event had occurred.

Dhruv Jurel and Ravichandran Ashwin steady the ship –

England faced strong resilience from debutant Dhruv Jurel and veteran Ravichandran Ashwin. India began the day by losing two wickets in a span of two overs to feel the early pressure.

Sent in as the night-watchman, Kuldeep Yadav was the first wicket of the day. The 29-year-old was caught behind by Ben Foakes as James Anderson got his first wicket of the game. The next over it was the turn of Joe Root to give India their second blow of the day.

Ravindra Jadeja looked like he was in a shell as he failed to get going with the bat. The 35-year-old was done in by the flight as Joe Root held onto an easy caught and bowled chance. India’s star all-rounder was out for 112 runs off 225 balls with 9 fours and 2 sixes. Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja had added 204 runs for the 4^th wicket on the 1^st Day.

At one stage India was tottering at 33/3 with Mark Wood and Tom Hartley doing the early damage. At 331/7, it looked like England were set to end the Indian innings early. This is when they ran into stiff resistance from the pair of Ashwin and Jurel.

At Lunch, India is placed at 388/7 with Ashwin batting on 25 from 64 balls with 4 boundaries. Young Dhruv Jurel playing his first Test has shown tremendous application as he is not out on 31. Having played 71 balls the 22-year-old has hit two fours and an amazing six to stay unbeaten.

Here’s how the fans reacted –

https://twitter.com/pacific_04/status/1758366631309537304

#Ashwin his clashes with officials are an ongoing thing. Seeking explanation for all that he does. Gives his side of the version, defending that he did not do anything wrong. In the end, umpire Joel Wilson awards 5 penalty runs for running on danger area. #INDvsENGTest #INDvENG

— G Krishnan (@gikkukrishnan) February 16, 2024

https://twitter.com/Sandarbh_raj8/status/1758365365065912535

That's howwww you spend your morning….code stuff with Ashwin Anna arguing with Umpire for the 5run penalty. Dhruv Jurel is also playing well, looking very compact till now. #INDvsENGTest #INDvENG #Ashwin pic.twitter.com/240C5KRUID

— Devanshu Maheshwari (@beingdevanshu19) February 16, 2024

https://twitter.com/itshimanshu_26/status/1758364759903416338

https://twitter.com/Ishusri36299540/status/1758363369541927095

ENGLAND GETS THE PENALTY…!!!

India penalised 5 runs for running on the pitch – England will start their innings with 5/0. pic.twitter.com/v50h0Zq16G

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 16, 2024