SKY SPORTS commentator Michael Atherton launched a scathing attack on the umpires during England’s clash with India.
Ben Stokes‘ side were in action on Day Three of the Test match at Lord’s when the retired batter hit out at the officials.
The over rate during England vs India has been off the pace
The first two days saw over 20 overs lost
Michael Atherton has called on the umpires to ‘get a grip’
Atherton, 57, was not pleased with the pace of the game and insisted that there had been too many breaks.
This included delays caused by injuries and attempted ball changes.
The entire Test has been affected by slow over rates by both England and India.
The first two days saw a combined loss of 22 overs, with India only bowling 83 in the first day.
The second day saw just 75 overs bowled by both sides, which falls below the mandatory 90 overs expected each day.
Atherton has called on on-field umpires Sharfuddoula Saikat and Paul Rieffel to “get a grip”.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “At one stage, towards the end of England’s innings, Gill lay down for treatment on his back and the umpires condoned a lengthy stoppage, instead of instructing him to leave the field, to allow play to resume.
“From stoppages for minor injuries to delays for attempted ball changes to fussiness over the state of the popping crease, once the groundstaff was called on to flatten where the batters were standing.
“There are areas of the game that the umpires have lost a grip of in my view, and pace of play is one.
“Things like unscheduled drinks breaks, lengthy delays for injuries to fielders who should be off the field for treatment, ball changes.
“Umpires need to get a grip.”
Atherton’s complaints were echoed by another former England captain, Michael Vaughan.
The 2005 Ashes winner made his views clear while commentating on the BBC.
He said: “I don’t think fines work. I think these lads are quite rich.
Michael Vaughan has also hit out at the over rate
Shoaib Bashir caused a delay after an injury to his finger
“I don’t think the cash is going to affect them. Been a problem for Test match cricket for a while.
“I know it’s hot. I know we’ve had a few injuries, but when we get to the fifth day, we have to bowl the 90 overs.
“I have no idea why on days one, two, three, and four, we can see the game played at a snail’s pace.
“Surely the game moves on by saying on day one there are 90 overs.
“Guess what we’re going to do? We’re going to bowl 90 overs on day two, exactly the same.”
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