Kanpur Test: R Ashwin argues with umpire Nitin Menon after running across him during followthrough on Day 3

R Ashwin was the centre of attention on Day 3 of the 1st Test between India and New New Zealand in Kanpur as he was involved in an intense argument with on-field umpire Nitin Menon. Ashwin adopted a new bowling run-up as he ran across the umpire in his follow-through in the morning session on Saturday at Green Park.

Nitin Menon, one of the reputed umpires going around, had an issue with the follow-through as he seemingly felt that Ashwin’s follow-through blocked his view. Menon interrupted Ashwin’s over multiple times and had a chat with the senior off-spinner.

India vs New Zealand, 1st Test Day 3 Live Updates

However, Ashwin remained adamant and kept bowling with the follow-through wherein he ran across the umpire’s line of sight. Not impressed by Ashwin’s tactics, umpire Nitin Menon had a chat with stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane but nothing stopped the off-spinner from doing what he was doing.

Television cameras also spotted head coach Rahul Dravid have a chat with match referee Javagal Srinath at the Green Park on Saturday.

Ashwin argues with umpire Nitin Menon pic.twitter.com/R5qMxyeDi0

— Sunaina Gosh (@Sunainagosh7) November 27, 2021

While R Ashwin did not run on the danger area with his new follow-through, he was certainly distracting the umpire. However, Ashwin argued that he was well within the rules by doing so.

NO MERIT IN DISTRACTING THE UMPIRE: AAKASH CHOPRA

Former India opener Aakash Chopra took to social media to share his thoughts on R Ashwin’s follow-through, saying it could have an impact on Menon giving on-field decisions. The reputed umpire was having a tough Test as several of his decisions were being overturned.

“There’s no merit in distracting the umpire. Yes, you have the DRS. But the impact of an ‘umpire’s call’ must never be taken lightly,” Chopra said.

There’s no merit in distracting the umpire. Yes, you have the DRS. But the impact of an ‘umpire’s call’ must never be taken lightly.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 27, 2021

Former India batter WV Raman also shed light on Ashwin’s tactics, saying: “The umpire’s contention could be that his view will be blocked with @ashwinravi99 running across him in his follow through.

“Of course, with Ash staying within the danger area, the warning cannot be issued. Trust Ash to create a conundrum even for umpires,” Raman added.

The umpire’s contention could be that his view will be blocked with @ashwinravi99 running across him in his follow through. Of course, with Ash staying within the danger area, the warning cannot be issued. Trust Ash to create a conundrum even for umpires.. #INDvsNZ

— WV Raman (@wvraman) November 27, 2021

India showed a lot of heart in the morning session on a flat pitch as R Ashwin got the first breakthrough, dismissing opener Will Young for 89. Meanwhile, Umesh Yadav struck at the stroke of Lunch with the second new ball as he got the big wicket of Kane Williamson for 19.

New Zealand were 197/2 at Lunch on Day 3, trialing India’s first-innings total of 345 by 148 runs in Kanpur.