“I don’t particularly like it. I don’t think it is necessarily in the spirit of cricket,” Willey added.
England's David Willey (L) (Photo: AFP)
India kick-started its England tour on Tuesday with a gallant display on the pitch at Old Trafford. Courtesy of the magical performance of KL Rahul and chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav, India started the three-match T20I series on a winning note.
However, as expected, the fireworks appear to have started off the field, too, with English all-rounder David Willey criticising Indian bowlers for their tactics claiming it is not within the spirit of the game.
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Willey, in his statement, talked about the incident when Indian bowlers repeatedly pulled out of their delivery strides during the opening T20I match between Men-in-Blue and the English team.
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The English all-rounder was also involved in a heated exchange of words with pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar after the Indian speedster stopped in the last over of the first innings.
“I’m guessing, but I think he (Bhuvneshwar) was looking to see what I was going to do,” Willey told reporters, adding, “They did that a few times. The spinners did it a couple of times. I’m not sure what the rules are on that.”
“I don’t particularly like it. I don’t think it is necessarily in the spirit of cricket,” Willey added.
“It’s not my job to comment on that too much on what they should or shouldn’t be doing. Personally, I don’t think I’d do that. I don’t think it is great,” he added.
“They have a few fiery characters and that is part and parcel of cricket,” Willey said.
“It has gone on for years. I don’t mind a bit of confrontation. I have had my fair share of it in the past. If it comes my way I am quite happy to get involved,” concluded Willey.
The second T20I match between India and England will be played on Friday, 6 July.
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