R Ashwin Reflects on Team’s Struggles in IND vs ENG 3rd Test: ‘We Never Win…’
The third Test match in the five-match series between India and England is heating up, with India bowling England out for just 192 runs in their second innings. By the end of Day 4, India found themselves at 58 runs for 4 wickets, facing a challenging chase. Amidst the unfolding drama, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin voiced his frustrations regarding umpire Paul Reiffel, sharing his experiences and concerns about the quality of officiating during the match.
### India’s Bowling Performance
India’s bowling unit showcased impressive skills, restricting England to a mere 192 runs in their second innings. This effort puts India in a strong position as they aim to take control of the Test match. Mohammed Siraj played a crucial role, delivering a sharp delivery that nearly dismissed veteran batter Joe Root. The Indian team was confident they had secured the wicket, but the Decision Review System (DRS) resulted in an ‘umpire’s call’ ruling. This incident sparked frustration among the players, particularly as they felt they were close to achieving a critical breakthrough.
As the match progresses, India will need to maintain their composure under pressure. The England bowlers are gearing up to reclaim the initiative with early wickets. This Test is crucial for both teams, with India looking to capitalize on their bowling success and secure a lead in the series.
### Ashwin’s Critique of Umpire Paul Reiffel
Ravichandran Ashwin did not hold back in his critique of umpire Paul Reiffel during a conversation on his YouTube channel. He shared insights from his playing days, explaining that it was often challenging to deal with Reiffel’s officiating. Ashwin remarked that it felt as if Reiffel had a bias against Indian players. He noted, “Whenever India bowls, he feels that it’s not out. When India bats, he feels that it’s always out.” Such comments highlight ongoing concerns regarding consistency in umpiring decisions, particularly in high-stakes matches.
In a humorous yet pointed moment, Ashwin discussed a specific appeal where the ball appeared to pass cleanly by the bat without contact. He jested that a sedan could fit through the gap, clearly indicating that the decision should have been in favor of the bowler. This light-hearted yet serious commentary reflects the frustrations players face with officiating, especially in pivotal moments of a match.
### The Road Ahead for India
As India approaches Day 5, they are on the brink of a potential victory that would give them a 2-1 lead in the series. The pressure is mounting on the England bowlers to secure early wickets to thwart India’s chase. The stakes are high, and both teams understand the significance of this Test match in the context of the series.
Should India succeed in their pursuit, they will carry this momentum into the next match at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. The upcoming contest promises to be fiercely competitive, with both teams eager to assert their dominance. With the series hanging in the balance, fans can expect an exhilarating finish to this Test match as it unfolds.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
