Key Points

Former umpire Anil Chaudhary has explained the strict DRS protocols after an on-field signal controversy during the India-England Test. The incident involved umpire Kumar Dharmasena appearing to indicate an inside edge before England reviewed. Meanwhile, tensions flared off-field as coach Gautam Gambhir clashed with the ground curator over practice facilities. Chaudhary also criticized England's conduct regarding match interruptions during key moments.

Key Points: Anil Chaudhary Explains DRS Signal Rules After Oval Test Controversy

  • Umpire Kumar Dharmasena's disputed signal triggered England's DRS review
  • Anil Chaudhary says umpires must avoid premature signals
  • Gambhir clashed with curator over pitch access concerns
  • England's behavior questioned after Stokes' match interruption request
3 min read

You can't give any kind of signal for 15 seconds: Anil Chaudhary opens up on DRS controversy during The Oval Test

Former umpire Anil Chaudhary clarifies DRS protocol after Kumar Dharmasena's disputed signal during India vs England Test at The Oval.

"You can't give any kind of signal for 15 seconds in DRS matches - Anil Chaudhary"

New Delhi, August 2

Former umpire Anil Chaudhary shared his views on the recent "DRS controversy" which took place during the first day of the fifth and final match of the series, which is being played between England and India at the Kennington Oval in London.

The incident took place on the second delivery of the 13th over, when Josh Tongue unleashed a sharp inswinging yorker that completely unsettled Sai Sudharsan. Attempting to defend, the batter lost his footing and tumbled to the ground as the ball struck him low on the pad.

England instantly went up for the LBW appeal, but on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena declined, signalling an inside edge by tapping his finger - an indication that allowed the fielding side to use a review.

Speaking on the DRS controversy, Anil Chaudhary told ANI, "I can't say that it will help. Sometimes, it happens. In auto mode, it happens. But in DRS, because it is an international match, you can't give any kind of signal for 15 seconds. I think something happened to him, which shouldn't have happened. In DRS matches, the umpire doesn't have permission to do this because then it's like an indication. I am not saying it is willing or unknowingly, but it shouldn't happen."

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir had an altercation with Lee Fortis regarding the practice facilities and allegedly not being given access to the pitch for an inspection from closed quarters. As he stepped away, the Indian head coach animatedly pointed a finger and said a couple of words. India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, was seen stepping in, taking Lee away and having a brief conversation with him.

Kotak, along with a couple of members of the Indian management, were seen trying to explain the situation to an English official. Kotak was the one who spoke for the majority of the period. While Kotak appeared to diffuse the situation while explaining their stance, Gambhir, who stood near the nets, pointed his finger towards Lee and furiously said, "You don't tell us what to do."

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate joined Kotak during his conversation with Lee, while Gambhir continued to make his point from the other end. Lee said a couple of words to Gambhir before eventually walking away from the scene. Lee was quizzed about the entire situation, but he chose to remain tight-lipped while speaking to the reporters and said, "It is not my job to be happy with him. I don't know, you have to ask him."

Addressing the curator-coach issue, the 60-year-old shed some light on England's behaviour in the ongoing Anderson Tendulkar Trophy.

"You must have seen the English behaviour in the last match, what Ben Stokes did. He asked to stop the match. The batters were close to scoring a hundred. There is a provision in the law which says the coaches and captains can come, but they can't wear spikes or nails. I don't know why the curator didn't come. There is one more provision in the law which says unauthorised people are not allowed to go to that area. If the Indian coaches and players are being considered unauthorised, then I think they have gone overboard," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral cricket fan, I think both teams are getting too emotional. The DRS incident was unfortunate but Gambhir's behavior with the curator was unnecessary. Sportsmanship should come first!
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Ananya R
Typical English arrogance! First Stokes stops play when our batsmen are near century, now this curator drama. Why always target Team India? Chaudhary sir has exposed their double standards 👏
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Karthik V
The real issue is ICC's weak handling of such situations. Umpires making signals, curators misbehaving - where are the strict protocols? BCCI should take strong stand for Indian team's dignity.
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Michael C
While I agree umpiring could improve, let's not forget this is human error. Even DRS technology isn't perfect. The game should focus more on cricket than these controversies.
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Priya S
Gambhir bhai always wears his heart on his sleeve! 😂 But seriously, when foreign teams tour India, we treat them like guests. Why can't we expect same hospitality abroad? #DoubleStandards

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