On-field umpire Nitin Menon was forced to step in after Washington Sundar and Jonny Bairstow exchanged words during the first T20I, following the England batsman preventing the India bowler attempting a return catch in his follow through.

The incident occurred with England closing in on victory. The tourists needed 11 to win as Sundar bowled the final ball of the 14th over. However, there was still time for a moment of controversy, with Dawid Malan chipping that ball back towards the bowler, only for Bairstow to block Sundar from attempting a catch in an apparent attempt to get out of the way.

Bairstow’s effort to avoid taking a blow was unsuccessful on two fronts. He collided with Sundar and was struck on the helmet by the ball, and the Indian wasn’t happy, sending a volley in Bairstow’s direction.

Immediately mentioned on commentary was an incident in the first West Indies-Sri Lanka ODI, when Danushka Gunathilaka became the 11th batsman in the history of international cricket to be given out obstructing the field. While Sundar was clearly unhappy with Bairstow’s actions, forcing Menon to intervene, India did not appeal to have Bairstow dismissed, and the game carried on.

“Keep your eye on Bairstow here,” said Michael Atherton on Sky Sports. “Chipped back… he’s just trying to get out the way, isn’t he? Washington Sundar can’t get at the ball because Bairstow is there, but I don’t think Bairstow has done anything wrong, apart from take one on the bonce.”

Watch the controversial moment below:

Did the batsman do anything wrong? 🤔

Tempers become frayed (briefly) as Bairstow takes evasive action.

England 114-2 off 14 overs. #INDvENG 🇮🇳 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

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