World Cup, India vs Pakistan: Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz Warned Twice For Running On Pitch

Mohammad Amir, making his first appearance in a 50-over World Cup, made a fiery start against India after Pakistan opted to bowl in the crucial World Cup 2019 league match at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Sunday. However, the left-handed fast bowler got official warnings twice for running onto the danger area after delivering the ball. Umpire Bruce Oxenford walked down to Mohammad Amir, once in the third over and then in fifth and warned him on his position while bowling to Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul respectively.

On the fourth ball of the third over, umpire Oxenford gave Amir an official warning, without a formal intimation before. Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed quickly walked up to Oxenford and had a word.

Later on the fifth ball of the fifth over, Amir again followed through on the danger zone while bowling to Rahul.

If Amir gets another warning, he will be off the attack. Pakistan will like to avoid that as Amir has been impressive so far in the match.

In his first spell, Amir conceded just eight runs in four overs, including a maiden opening over.

After the warnings, Amir went on to inspect the danger area spot along with all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez.

Later, fast bowler Wahab Riaz also received two official warnings for landing through to the danger area.

According to the ICC rule-book, bowlers must not run on to the protected area near the stumps after delivering the ball so as not to unfairly scuff up the surface and make batting more difficult when the bowling is from the other end.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bowl against India amid rain forecasts in a much-anticipated match.

While Pakistan decided to play two spinners in Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan, all-rounder Vijay Shankar has come in place of injured opener Shikhar Dhawan for India.

Shankar is expected to bat at No. 4 for India as Rahul opened the innings with Rohit Sharma.

"We will bowl first. It has been raining in Old Trafford from the last three days so conditions are good for bowling. I think it is a good option to play two spinners against India. We have quality spinners and we have backed them today," Sarfaraz said at the toss.

Talking about Pakistan's dismal 0-6 head-to-head record against India in World Cup, Sarfaraz added: "India Pakistan is a big match. We are not thinking about 6-0. We are just focussing on this match and we want to play our best game. We are not thinking about the result."

Topics mentioned in this article

India Cricket Team Pakistan Cricket Team Mohammad Amir Old Trafford, Manchester World Cup 2019 Cricket India vs Pakistan, Match 22