Paine nearly appeals for Rahul handling the ball: The Australian captain’s actions spoke highly about his frustration.
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During the third day of the first Test of the ongoing India’s tour of Australia at Adelaide, Australia captain and wicket-keeper Tim Paine nearly appealed against India batsman Lokesh Rahul handling the ball.
Having said that, Paine seemed to controlled his instincts in time. Had he done it, he would have accumulated a significant amount of criticism from all round the globe, something which Australian cricket needs the least at this point in time.
It all happened on the fourth delivery of the 18th over when Rahul defended a Nathan Lyon delivery from the crease. As batsmen usually do in Test cricket, Rahul himself held the ball in his hand to throw it back to the bowler.
Paine, who had himself stepped forward to pick the ball, didn’t seem to pleased with Rahul picking the ball himself.
Going by the rules of the game, a batsman is not allowed to pick/stop the ball with his hand. However, batsmen mostly do it when there isn’t any intention of taking a run. While this regularly happens in good spirit and mutual understanding, the fielding doesn’t appeal for it.
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Talking of Rahul, the Indian out-of-form batsman was looking to force the issue and became the victim of the same as he played a rash shot to get out. In which was yet another case of throwing his wicket after getting a start, he ended up scoring 44 (67) with the help of three fours and a six.
With India having built a lead in excess of 100 runs, they will be looking to gain on this advantage by ruling Australia out of the match in this innings itself.
Read some of the latest Twitter reactions on Paine below:
