Former India head coach Ravi Shastri briefly turned umpire in the commentary box on Day 2 of the first Test at Headingley, raising his finger in response to an LBW appeal against Joe Root-only to be proven wrong by technology moments later.
The incident unfolded late in the third session during a tense passage of play. Mohammed Siraj trapped Root on the pads, and umpire Paul Reiffel raised his finger to send the former England captain walking. The Indian players celebrated wildly, with skipper Shubman Gill charging towards Siraj and punching the air in a fiery display that evoked memories of Virat Kohli’s passionate outbursts.
But the joy was short-lived. Root immediately opted for a review, and ball-tracking showed the delivery was missing a leg stump. The on-field decision was overturned, and Root survived.
As the replay aired, the cameras panned to the commentary box, where Shastri was seen mimicking the umpire’s gesture-his finger raised in jest. The moment drew laughter on air, with Ian Ward quipping, “Umpire Ravi Shastri.”
ENG vs IND 1st Test Day 2 Highlights
Reflecting on the moment, Shastri said: “Yes, and it was Joe Root. You can see how much that wicket meant to India. Even my hand went up in the commentary box. He’s made India pay over the years. Unfortunately, it was missing.”
With a wry smile, he added: “Just shows how much I’ve watched Joe Root bat as coach of India. He keeps getting hundreds, so even my finger went up-and I’m sitting behind the umpire!”
However, Root’s stay at the crease was short-lived, as he edged another ferocious delivery from Jasprit Bumrah to slip – shortly before Brook was handed a fortunate reprieve when his miscued shot looped into the air.
By stumps, England were 209 for 3, still trailing India’s first-innings total by 262 runs. Ollie Pope remained unbeaten on 100, with Harry Brook yet to open his account. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler, taking all three wickets in a spirited spell.
Earlier in the day, India posted a commanding 471, built on centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. Pant, in particular, played with characteristic flair, while Bumrah’s late burst brought India right back into the contest.
England, however, mounted a strong reply. Pope’s century steadied the innings, while Brook survived a late scare when a pull off Bumrah-caught by Siraj-was ruled a no-ball in the final over of the day.