 | « Back to article | Print this article |
England batsman Kevin Pietersen was informed about his punishment for showing dissent during the third One-day international against India, in Ranchi, by match referee Andy Pycroft in the men's toilet of Ranchi airport.
- Scorecard | Images from the match
Pycroft asked Pietersen and England One-day team coach Ashley Giles to step into the toilet at Ranchi airport to issue them a warning, as both teams waited for the charter flight that brought them to Chandigarh, as they headed to Mohali for the fourth ODI, the Daily Mail reported.
Pietersen may deem himself lucky to escape a fine for standing in incredulity when he was given out caught behind in Saturday's third One-day International and then shaking his head as he finally left the field, the paper said.
Yet, perhaps Pycroft was merciful because Pietersen was clearly not out and umpire S Ravi's decision, understandable as it was in another noisy, highly charged atmosphere, was the spark for another woeful England collapse, the paper added.
Giles revealed his first meeting with Pycroft was in the gent's toilet of the Ranchi airport, adding the match referee was right to speak to Pietersen.
Giles added players need to be careful with reactions to decisions, and added that Pietersen's reaction was more of disappointment than showing dissent.
The Indian bowlers put up an inspired show before Virat Kohli returned to form with a rollicking unbeaten 77 as the hosts spanked England by seven wickets to make captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's first match in his hometown a memorable one.
India, riding on Ravindra Jadeja's 3-19, first bundled out England for a paltry 155 in 42.2 overs, and then chased down the target with 21.5 overs to spare.
The victory gave them a 2-1 lead in the five-match match series.