Why Sunil Gavaskar was wrong to criticize the umpires for Rishabh Pant dismissal during the third ENG vs IND Test
Rishabh Pant was caught standing well outside the crease during the 3rd Test match played in Headingly last week. Batsmen usually use this trick to negate any kind of swing the bowler is trying to produce. The square-leg umpire warned Pant and asked him to stop venturing outside the crease as it leaves footmarks on the danger area of the pitch.
Indian commentators Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Manjrekar criticized the umpire for asking Pant to not stand outside the crease.
“I was wondering why was he told to change his stance if that is true. I only read it. A batsman can stand anywhere, even on the middle of the pitch and when the batsman goes down the track against the spinners,” Gavaskar said while commentating on the third day of the match.
The law regarding this situation is mentioned in Law 41 i.e Unfair Play. Law 41.15.1 states:
1) The striker shall not adopt a stance in the protected area or so close to it that frequent encroachment is inevitable.
2) The striker may mark a guard on the pitch provided that no mark is unreasonably close to the protected area.
A batsman is allowed to come outside his crease every once in a while on the merit of the ball but if he is seen doing so repeatedly neat the protected area of the pitch, the umpire has every right to give him a warning. Although Sunil Gavaskar’s sentiments are understandable, he is wrong in questioning the umpire as the rule is just being followed.
Also Read: ‘Which generation, what exactly is bullying?’ – Sunil Gavaskar slams Sony guest Hussain on air
Pant’s starting position was already outside the crease. Moreover, when the bowler released the ball, Pant was entering the danger area (around 5 feet from the popping crease) on a regular basis. Usually a fast bowler is the one who has to keep in mind to refrain from entering the danger area but in cases like this, the batsman also has to be cautious.
Rishabh Pant wanted to Bat outside the Crease. The Umpire Denied it. What happened…? pic.twitter.com/VOv00tiGFf
— Ash (@TheCricketArk) September 1, 2021
Jonny Bairstow was also warned for a similar offence back in 2019. The umpire can deduct 5 runs from the batting side’s total if the batsman violates the rule again.
Rishabh Pant spoke about the incident after the third Test match. “Because I was standing outside the crease and my front foot was coming into the danger area, so he (the umpire) told me that you can’t stand there,” Pant said during the virtual post-day press conference on Wednesday.
Pant added, “So, I had to change my stance, but as a cricketer, I don’t have to think too much about that, because it’s everyone who is going to do that, umpires are going to say the same thing. I didn’t do that the next ball and you move on.”