On Monday morning, two days ahead of the third Test at the Eden Gardens, England practice began with a bit of drama said the Indian Express.
Former England captain Michael Atherton, a television commentator now, came with the English press contingent and after a while began his long walk towards the pitch.
Curator Prabir Mukherjee noticed Atherton late and rushed to him. The two had an animated conversation during which the 83-year-old curator was seen pointing his fingers towards the boundary rope, added the report.
The DNA wrote that Atherton wanted to have a close view of the Eden Gardens wicket but was stopped in his track by Mukherjee. Mukherjee was clear that Atherton wouldn’t be given any concession denied to others. Atherton tried to reason with Mukherjee before walking off and occupying a seat several yards away from the practice area.
“I told Atherton categorically that only the players and support staff were allowed to come near the wicket. Everybody is bound by the same rules,” Mukherjee told DNA. Apparently, Mukherjee had once given an earful to former England opener Geoffrey Boycott for a similar offence.