Ashes and sledging go hand-in-hand. But, with new rules coming into play and ICC becoming stricter on players’ code of conduct on the field, there are bound to be a few changes. Umpire Aleem Dar seems to be leading the way there and setting an example for other international umpires with his ‘cool’ and ‘timely’ interventions between English and Australian players.
Dar stepped in when Peter Handscomb was walking off the ground after Day 3. England skipper Joe Root was having a long conversation with Handscomb and Dar found it a little fishy. The Umpire rushed towards the players and almost pushed Root away from the Australian youngster.
Though Dar did not have to worry about anything as Handscomb handled the conversation well and Root went away after saying a few things. On the other hand, Nathan Lyon, the Night Watchman did not seem bothered by English players’ sledges and comfortably walked off the field.
Here’s how Dar saved the day with his anti-sledging techniques:
Joe Root catching up with Handscomb and Lyon at the close of play. Aleem doesn’t want to miss out #Ashes pic.twitter.com/WmABEdZhFg
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) December 4, 2017
This was not the first time Dar stepped in and stole the show with his moves to stop sledging between the players. He did it on Day 1 as well when James Anderson and Steven Smith were having a heated exchange on the non-striker’s end.
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At the end of Day 3, English bowlers helped the team make a slight comeback by taking 4 wickets for just 53 runs. Handscomb was in trouble too as Stuart Broad was able to get the better of him on the last two balls of the 25th over.
Though Australia still look in control with a lead of 268 runs at the end of Day 3.
