DRS Drama and Pitch Dispute Fuel India-England Tensions at The Oval

In a heated turn of events during the final match of the England-India series at Kennington Oval, former umpire Anil Chaudhary has shared his insights on the DRS controversy that unfolded on the first day. The incident occurred in the 13th over when England's Josh Tongue bowled a sharp inswinging yorker to Sai Sudharsan, who struggled to maintain his balance and was struck low on the pad, prompting an LBW appeal.

The on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena declined the appeal, suggesting an inside edge, which sparked the controversy as it set the stage for a DRS review. Chaudhary noted, "In international matches, umpires are prohibited from signaling for reviews, as it may create an impression. Something happened that shouldn't have, but I am not implicating anyone willingly or unknowingly."

Meanwhile, tensions flared off the field as India's head coach Gautam Gambhir confronted pitch manager Lee Fortis over practice facility access. The dispute, marked by a heated exchange and intervention from India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, stemmed from frustrations over inspection limits. As the series progresses, these incidents underscore growing tensions and challenges faced during the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy.

(With inputs from agencies.)