DUBAI: England’s in-form batsman Joe Root and Pakistan’s fiery fast bowler Wahab Riaz were involved in the first flashpoint of the series here on the fourth day of the second Test on Sunday after Root accused Wahab of trying to scuff up the ball.

Root exchanged words with Riaz after he kicked the ball along the ground and complained to the umpires as tension grew between the teams with Pakistan on top and looking to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Tensions rose between Root and Wahab when the drinks break was taken, with the England batsman seen visibly remonstrating with his opponent. However, the TV replays showed Wahab simply toe-ending the ball, his explanation being that he could not pick it up due to sweaty palms.

England coach, Trevor Bayliss, visited match referee Andy Pycroft after the incident but his assistant, Paul Farbrace, insisted after the day’s play there was no lingering issue. “He (Root) comes across as this nice young lad but there is a bit of fight in there,” said Farbrace.

“That is what helps him score runs in so many different conditions. You want to see your players having a bit of fight and there is never a better time for this team to show they have got some fight and have character.

“Riaz certainly won’t be signing for Chelsea in the Premier League with his footballing skills. The umpires dealt with it at the time and that is the end of it,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2015

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