IND vs NZ 2021, 1st Test: Conversation Between Ravichandran Ashwin-Nitin Menon Spat Revealed

Ravichandran Ashwin had an exciting session of play on day 3 of the first Test against New Zealand. He took the first New Zealand wicket to fall and since then troubled the well set Tom Latham and skipper Kane Williamson.

Meanwhile, during the first session of the day’s play, Ravichandran Ashwin had a few heated exchanges with umpire Nitin Menon. Ashwin was bowling across umpire Menon obstructing his view. Ashwin also had a decision denied against him by Menon that of Tom Latham who was ultimately dismissed for 95.

In the 73rd over the New Zealand innings, he operated a different tactic, releasing the ball from closer to the stumps and running across the umpire and the batter at the non-striker’s end. Umpire Nitin Menon on his part warned Ashwin from repeating the same thing. Seeing that Ashwin is having none of his advice, he walked upto skipper Ajinkya Rahane and the three of them had a heated conversation.

Just heard Ashwin arguing with Nitin Menon saying this is not fair. I have studied it and asked the match referee, not breaking any rules. #indvsnz pic.twitter.com/1GosPAS7gP

— Meha Bhardwaj Alter (@Bhardwajmeha) November 27, 2021

Nitin Menon was apparently heard saying
“You are obstructing my vision.”
Rahane replied:
“He’s not running on to the danger area (of the pitch).”

The umpire then said:
“I can’t make the lbw calls.”
Ashwin cheekily replied:
“You are anyway not making any.”

“That it is fine if you aren’t able to give a verdict, I will use DRS because this angle is helping me bowl better. It’s your problem, and not my problem” Ashwin further added said.

Meanwhile, the Indian bowlers have had a tight grip on the Kiwi batsman at the moment. With the first wicket falling at 151 and the second at 197, the Kane Williamson-led side then lost four wickets for just 44 runs.

Axar Patel took three wickets, and Ashwin and Jadeja took one each to make it a session for India.