The said event took place in the fourth over of India’s innings. The keeper-batter was critical of the umpires for having to use up a player review for a decision which he thought was clearly not out.
Since Pooran admitted to the violation and agreed to the disciplinary measures which were imposed by on-field umpires Leslie Reifer and Nigel Duguid, third umpire Gregory Brathwaite, fourth official Patrick Gustard, and suggested by match referee Richie Richardson, no formal inquiry was held.
For the above offence, a demerit point was added to Pooran's disciplinary record, his inaugural offence within a two-year duration. Offences under Level 1 category have a minimum penalty, a maximum 50% reduction in a cricketer’s match fee, and the addition of one or two demerit points to their record.
Pooran had a big role to play in West Indies taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Bowling first, they held India to 152/7. Tilak Varma top-scored with 51 off 41 balls, but the rest of the batters could not do a lot. Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd picked up two scalps apiece.
In the chase, Hardik Pandya dismissed Brandon King (0) and Johnson Charles (2) cheaply, while Kyle Mayers was trapped leg before by Arshdeep Singh for 15. However, Pooran clobbered 67 off 40 balls with the aid of six fours and four sixes. Skipper Rovman Powell (21) and Shimron Hetmyer (22) also chipped in with handy knocks.
West Indies stumbled to 129/8 in the chase as Yuzvendra Chahal led a fightback for Team India. However, Akeal Hosein (16 not out) and Alzarri Joseph (10 not out) confirmed a close two-wicket win for the hosts to take them 2-0 up in the series. Pooran was named Player of the Match as West Indies chased down 153 in 18.5 overs.
The third match of the series will be played at Providence Stadium in Guyana on Tuesday, August 8. India will need to win the match to stay alive in the five-match series.
--By A Cricket Correspondent
