After his starring role in Bangladesh’s historic win over Australia in the first Test at Dhaka last week, Shakib Al Hasan is once again in the limelight albeit for all the wrong reasons.
The ongoing second Test between Bangladesh and Australia in Chittagong might be marred with a big controversy after a video has emerged showing Shakib rubbing the ball on the ground in a controversial manner on the third day’s play. Just before delivering the ball, the world number one Test all-rounder was seen rubbing the ball in the dirt behind the umpire who seemed completely unaware of the activity.
And while the match officials missed the incident, it will be interesting to see the action taken by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Last year, India captain Virat Kohli had also found himself in a similar situation when videos showed that he was rubbing his fingers in his mouth before shining one side of the ball during the Rajkot Test against England.
However, later it was confirmed that there was no gum in his mouth and it was the teeth formation that gave rise to the allegation. Doctoring the ball has been a much-debated topic in the game and only time will tell how the apex body reacts to the latest incident. But with the players being forbidden from changing the state or characteristics of the ball by rubbing or scratching, the Bangladesh star can face a big punishment if he is found guilty.
Here is a clip showing the Bangladesh star’s controversial activity:
This snippet featured in the closer for today's play. Caught my eye. Rubbing the ball on the ground … doesn't seem right #BANvAUS #cricket pic.twitter.com/a2MMo7PCuv
— Paul Cochrane (@paulcochrane) September 6, 2017
Meanwhile, Australia finished the day three on 377 for nine in reply to hosts’ first innings total of 305. David Warner led Australia’s strong reply with his second consecutive century while Steve Smith and Peter Handscomb chipped in with crucial half-centuries. The visitors are trailing the two-game series after losing the opener by 20 runs.