Pataudi Trophy 2021, 3rd Test: Ball thrown by crowd at Mohammed Siraj, Rishabh Pant clarifies

India had a tough outing on the opening day of the third Test against England for the Pataudi Trophy in Leeds. Meanwhile, it became even dreadful after Mohammed Siraj had a ball thrown at him by the crowd.

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Leeds, First Published Aug 26, 2021, 11:04 AM IST | Last Updated Aug 26, 2021, 11:04 AM IST

On Wednesday, Team India had a forgettable outing, Day 1 of the third Test against England for the Pataudi Trophy 2021 at Headingley in Leeds. It was bundled out for 78, its ninth-lowest in the longest format, besides being the third lowest in England.

However, things became even appalling when the crowd decided to rub salt to the wounds unfairly. Pacer Mohammed Siraj, who was fielding at the boundary, had a ball thrown at him.

Television visuals showed that it happened to be a pink ball, which was supposedly made of plastic. However, it is unclear if the ball was really aimed at Siraj or had inadvertently gone onto the field as someone in the crowd was playing with it.

ALSO READ: Pataudi Trophy 2021, 3rd Test: India's 78 all-out headlines Day 1 as records are scripted

Nevertheless, Siraj was unhappy as he complained to the on-field umpires. As a result, it also irked Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who also seemed visibly upset and had a word with the umpire on the same, while the umpire walked towards the crowd to warn them. Later, Siraj was also seen gesturing to the English fans that India is up 1-0.

Meanwhile, during the post-play press conference, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant clarified by saying that one can say anything they want, but throwing objects at the players is not justified, reports ESPNCricinfo. He feels that these things harm the nature of the sport, which is not a healthy sign.

It is not the first time Siraj has been targeted, as, during the Australia tour earlier this year, he was subject to racist hurls in Perth. During the second Test at Lord's on this tour, Indian opener KL Rahul was targeted when champagne bottle corks were flung at him.

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