Polarising India star Ravichandran Ashwin has debuted a bizarre new tactic during India’s Test clash with New Zealand.

Ashwin has sparked controversy in the past for repeatedly claiming ‘mankad’ dismissals, and in September earned the ire of fans for running a single when a fielder’s throw was deflected off his IPL batting partner Rishabh Pant.

Now he's pushing the boundaries of the rules once again. Late on day two and again on day three, the spinner debuted a diagonal run-up from around the wicket where his follow-through went directly across the umpire’s line of sight and then in front of the nonstriking batter.

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While it avoided the so-called ‘danger zone’ which bowlers and batters must not run across, his bizarre new action drew the ire of umpire Nitin Menon on Saturday.

Ashwin was warned during the 77th over of NZ’s innings by Menon, as a running conversation commenced between player and umpire. It lasted until the end of the over, as India captain Ajinkya Rahane also joined the conversation to defend Ashwin’s unusual actions.

During the lunch break, India coach Rahul Dravid and match referee Javagal Srinath were seen engaging in an intense discussion.

Ashwin returned to his usual approach and follow-up during the rest of the innings.

Commentator Simon Doull suggested Ashwin’s follow-through was getting in the path of the nonstriker’s running. “If the nonstriker wanted to run, Ashwin gets right in front of where the nonstriker would probably be running. And that is not allowed. The bowler can also not dictate where the nonstriker stands,” Doull added.

Ashwin had also been warned the previous day by the same umpire for running through the middle of the pitch while he was batting.

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MATCH REPORT:

Will Young missed out on Saturday on his maiden international century on day three of the first Test, but New Zealand were still in a strong position at 197-2 at lunch in reply to India’s 345.

Kane Williamson fell leg-before to the second new ball to Umesh Yadav just before the break for 18 after a 46-run partnership with Tom Latham, still unbeaten on 82, in Kanpur.

Young started the day from his overnight score of 75 and looked assured before edging Ravichandran Ashwin to substitute wicketkeeper K.S. Bharat on 89 off 214 balls.

The 29-year-old hit 15 fours in a solid Black Caps reply after Tim Southee’s five-for on the second day restricted India to 345 all out.

Openers Latham and Young had pushed the hosts on the defensive on Friday after a stand of 129 which was finally broken at 151 with Young’s dismissal to Ashwin.

Latham survived a close call on 66 when stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane — stepping in for the rested Virat Kohli — failed to review a leg-before appeal off Ashwin’s bowling.

Ashwin was India’s most effective bowler and has one wicket for 57 runs in his 28 overs on a wicket offering inconsistent bounce.

Jadeja bowled 20 wicket-less overs for 44 runs and Patel, the other Indian left-arm spinner, bowled 14 overs for 33 runs without a wicket.

Yadav, who took India’s second new ball with Axar, has bowled 11.3 overs for 30 runs and Williamson’s wicket. Sharma went wicket-less for 30 runs in his 12 overs.