Follow UsFormer India captain Sunil Gavaskar has not taken too kindly to Ben Stokes' field setting against Rishabh Pant during Day 3 of the Lord's Test. He observed that England had fielded six fielders on the leg side, four of whom were on the boundary, which he feels is not right.
England were using the short-ball ploy against Pant, which the wicketkeeper-batter found difficult to play given his injured finger. Gavaskar has asked the ICC to ensure that no fielding side has more than six fielders on the leg-side, which would give them an unfair advantage.
"56% of the balls bowled today have been short. They have four fielders on the boundary waiting for the bouncer. That is not cricket, according to me. There should not be more than six fielders on the leg side. If Sourav Ganguly, who is the chairman of the ICC Men's Cricket Committee, is watching this, please make sure that next time not more than six fielders can be kept on the leg side,' said Gavaskar on air, according to Republicworld.com.
Since the Bodyline series in 1932-33 between England and Australia, a rule was enforced where not more than two fielders would be allowed behind square on the leg-side. However, the tactic England used against Pant in this match are completely within the rules of the game.