Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh lamented Moeen Ali’s actions in the 1st Ashes Test against Australia. England’s Edgbaston spinner was Moeen, who returned to Test cricket.
Moeen bowled Cameron Green in the first innings. He also violated Article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Moeen was seen drying his hand while fielding on the boundary line, sparking a social media controversy.
Harbhajan Singh supported Moeen Ali, saying he didn’t understand the controversy about his spraying his spinning fingers to relieve discomfort.
He noted that if a batter sprays a blister under the gloves, it typically passes unnoticed. Harbhajan stressed that Moeen should have alerted the umpires, but otherwise the same rationale should apply.
After Moeen accepted Andy Pycroft’s punishment, Harbhajan reacted. On-field umpires Ahsan Raza, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, and Mike Burns charged Moeen.
Moeen confessed.
Moeen was fined 25% of his first Ashes Test match pay and handed one demerit point for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Moeen was taken out of the assault owing to blisters on his spinning finger and appeared tired as the Test progressed. On a turny track, Joe Root was the spinner.
Captain Pat Cummins’ 44 runs off 73 balls helped Australia win on the last day. Australia now leads the Ashes series 1-0.
Harbhajan termed it a wonderful Test match and commended Australia for fighting.