R Ashwin and James Anderson were involved in an exchange of words at the non-striker’s end early on day two of the Visakhapatnam Test today (February 3).

Subscribe to the Wisden Cricket YouTube channel for post-match analysis, player interviews, and much more.

Anderson, who bowled the second over of the day after England decided to take the new ball, was seemingly irked by Ashwin’s position at the non-striker’s end, with the batter possibly standing too close to the umpire when the quick was bowling to Yashasvi Jaiswal. Anderson bowled four balls with Ashwin at the non-striker’s end in the over, after which he spoke with the umpire.

The England quick was seemingly suggesting that the Indian was in his line while he was bowling by standing close to the umpire at the non-striker’s end. After the umpire had a word with Ashwin, the off-spinner could be seen muttering “Me?”. He was also seen staring at Anderson when the bowler was in his run-up, which would have frustrated Anderson further.

On commentary, Harsha Bhogle cheekily suggested Ashwin would continue standing close if it annoyed Anderson. “If Anderson doesn’t like it, Ashwin’s going to do it.”

However, Ashwin stood far away from the umpire thereafter, giving Anderson and England no reason to complain.

Ashwin was eventually dismissed by Anderson for 20, sent back by a peach of a delivery that took an edge behind.

Related tags:

James AndersonR AshwinEngland cricket newsIndia cricket newsIndia v EnglandInternational CricketSeries Editorial