A look at some of the biggest controversial moments of India v/s England test series.
It may not have the same historic pedigree as Ashes or the same intensity of India versus Pakistan, but India v/s England matches have always been keenly contested. The 86-year-old cricketing rivalry has produced many memorable moments. With both teams rising as superpowers of test cricket in the new century, there have been moments of controversy between the sides as well. As the two sides meet for another series, let's take a look at some of the biggest controversial moments between the two sides.
1. Negative tactics against Sachin
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India were leading the three-match series 1-0 heading into the final match at Bengaluru. England captain Nasser Hussain realised that he would have to do something special to stop India's main man Sachin Tendulkar. He and left-arm spinner Ashley Giles decided to go negative. (Image: AFP)
2. Negative tactics against Sachin
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Giles bowled to Sachin outside his leg stump from over the wicket. This left Sachin frustrated as he was unable to score freely. He finally got out stumped. The negative approach was heavily criticised all over the cricketing world. (Image: PTI)
3. Jelly Beans
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During the second Test of the 2007 series at Trent Bridge, England tried to prank Zaheer Khan by throwing jelly beans around him as he walked in to bat. Zaheer, who felt insulted with what the Englishmen were doing, had a big argument with Kevin Pietersen afterward. (Image: AFP File Photo)
4. Jelly Beans
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However, the 'prank' backfired for England as Zaheer ended up with a 5-wicket haul in the second innings. India won the game. (Image: PTI)
5. When Dhoni saved Bell
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One of the most controversial moments in a India-England series ended up being an example of spirit of cricket thanks to MS Dhoni. The incident took place during the 2011 series in the 2nd Test at Trent Bridge. Just before tea on the third day, Ian Bell thought his partner Eoin Morgna has struck a boundary and that the ball was dead. However, the fielder had stopped it and as Bell wandered off for the break he was run out leaving everyone confused. (Image: AFP File Photo)
6. When Dhoni saved Bell
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At the interval, England coach Andy Flower and captain Andrew Strauss came into the Indian dressing room. Indian captain MS Dhoni decided to overturn the decision and allowed Bell to continue batting after the break. For this gesture, he won the ICC Spirit of Cricket award. (Image: PTI File Photo)
7. Jadeja v/s James
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During India's tour of England in 2014, Ravindra Jadeja was involved in a controversy with English bowler James Anderson. Indian team has alleged that Anderson has abused and pushed Jadeja during the Trent Bridge Test. England team in return lodged a formal complaint against Jadeja. (Image: Reuters)
8. Jadeja v/s James
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No video evidence ever came out, however, it was reported that there were some heated words exchanged. Jadeja was levied a fine which was later rescinded and both the parties were cleared of any wrongdoings. (Image: Reuters)
9. Kohli's send off to Stokes
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During the 2016 series, Virat Kohli gave Stokes a bit of a send-off after Jadeja picked up the Englishman’s wicket in the third Test at Mohali. That was followed by an altercation between the two players, as the umpires rushed in to diffuse the tension. (Image: BCCI)
10. Kohli's send off to Stokes
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After he picked up Kohli’s wicket, Stokes himself gave Kohli a bit of a send-off by covering his mouth with his hand. The India Test captain was not going to let the Englishman have the last laugh though. Kohli gave Stokes the ‘silent send-off’ after Ashwin trapped him lbw. (Image: PTI)
