The 3rd Test of the ongoing five-match series between India and England is shaping out into an exciting affair. The Indian bowling attack reduced England to a total of just 192 in their second innings, with India reaching 58/4 at stumps on Day 4. As passion and rivalry take center stage, former India spinner and veteran Ravichandran Ashwin has issued sharp remarks against umpire Paul Reiffel, detailing how ‘difficult’ it was to deal with him during his playing days.India came close to dismissing England batter Joe Root on Day 4 in the 2nd session, as Mohammed Siraj’s sharp delivery was completely missed by the veteran. While the visitors were thoroughly convinced that they had the wicket in the bag, they were forced to control their frurstration as the DRS returned ‘umpire’s call’ on impact. Reacting to the same, Ashwin went on a detailed rant about the umpire, while in conversation with Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel “Ash ki Baat“.“My experience with Paul Reiffel has been that you always have to talk to him. You have to set him up. I’m not saying that you have to tell him ‘give me the wicket’, said the 38-year-old. Ashwin then went on a rant about the umpire and his calls, saying, “Whenever India bowls, he (Paul Reiffel) feels that its not out. When India bats, he feels that its always out. If this was the case with every other team and not just India, then ICC will have to take a look at it.”
Ashwin’s complaints on the match official didn’t end there, as he made a hilarious comment on another decision of his. Pointing to a picture of the ball passing past the bat in a DRS check without making contact, Ashwin said, “From between the bat and the ball, I own a car, a sedan, which can pass through the gap. It is clear that its not out.” Further venting his frustration, Ashwin shared his father’s comment that India can never win a match when Paul Reiffel is the umpire. “Whenever Paul Reiffel comes, we never win,” Ashwin recounted his father’s words.As India edge closer to potential victory on Day 5, the England bowlers will be hot on their heels to get early wickets and derail India’s efforts. A win for India in this Test will see the visitors hold a 2-1 series lead heading into the penultimate match at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester.
