ENG vs IND: Ravi Shastri Plays Umpire on Air as Joe Root Narrowly Escapes LBW Decision

ENG vs IND 1st Test: Ravi Shastri’s “Umpire Moment” Adds Drama as Root Survives LBW Scare.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri briefly stole the spotlight from the commentary box on Day 2 of the first Test at Headingley, playfully raising his finger in response to an LBW appeal against Joe Root—only to be proven wrong moments later by ball-tracking technology.

The drama unfolded in the final session during a tense phase of England’s innings. Mohammed Siraj hit Root on the pads with a sharp delivery, prompting umpire Paul Reiffel to raise his finger. The Indian team erupted in celebration, with captain Shubman Gill charging toward Siraj and punching the air in a passionate outburst reminiscent of Virat Kohli’s fiery celebrations.

However, Root immediately reviewed the decision. Replays revealed the ball would have missed the leg stump, and the decision was overturned—leaving the Indian players visibly deflated.

As the DRS graphics rolled, the broadcast cameras cut to the commentary box, where Shastri was caught mimicking the umpire’s decision, finger raised in jest. His playful gesture sparked laughter on-air, with fellow commentator Ian Ward joking, “Umpire Ravi Shastri.”

Reflecting on the moment, Shastri chuckled:
“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 grin, he added:
“It just shows how often I’ve seen Joe Root bat against us. He keeps getting hundreds—so even I went up, and I’m behind the umpire!”

Despite surviving the LBW appeal, Root’s innings didn’t last much longer. Jasprit Bumrah, in a fiery spell, had him edging to slip soon after. Bumrah struck again before stumps, finishing the day with three wickets and giving India a fighting chance.

By the close of play, England were 209/3, trailing India’s formidable first-innings total of 471 by 262 runs. Ollie Pope stood firm with a brilliant unbeaten century, while Harry Brook remained on 0 after a dramatic final over, where he was caught off a no-ball.

Earlier, India dominated the day with the bat. Centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant powered the visitors to a commanding total. Pant, true to form, entertained with fearless strokeplay, while Bumrah’s late burst with the ball kept the contest finely poised.