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.
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.
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.