IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Why were Rohit Sharma's men given a five-run penalty in Rajkot against England?

The penalty means England will start their first innings at 5/0 without a ball being bowled.

Dhruv Jurel and Ravichandran Ashwin walk between the wickets against England on Day 2 of the third Test in Rajkot. (Image: PTI)

Rajkot: India were awarded a five-run penalty on Friday after Ravichandran Ashwin ran through the middle of the field on Day 2 of the ongoing third Test match against England in Rajkot. Notably, it was India's second foul. That is why the fine was appropriate. The penalty means England will start their first innings at 5/0, without even a ball being bowled. Ashwin was reprimanded by on-field umpire Joel Wilson.

The incident took place on the third ball of the 102nd over of the Indian innings. After gently pushing a delivery from Rehan Ahmed, Ashwin immediately set out for a single without perhaps realizing where he was walking, but was eventually sent back by debutant Dhruv Jurel. The Indian all-rounder ran into the middle of the pitch for a second foul by the Indian team as highlighted by the referee. Earlier, chief Ravindra Jadeja was guilty of committing the same crime.

According to MCC Law 41.14.1, which falls under the Unfair Play section, “it is unfair to cause intentional or avoidable damage to the field. If the batter enters the protected area while playing the ball, he/she must leave immediately afterwards.

“A batter is deemed to have caused avoidable harm if either umpire is of the opinion that his/her presence on the field is without reasonable cause.” The law further states that a team will receive “a first and final warning,” which will apply throughout the innings. If the offense is repeated by a team member during the course of the innings, the batting side will incur a five-run penalty.