Last Updated:
The third umpire based his decision solely on the spike, disregarding the absence of a front-on angle in conjunction with the Snickometer.
KL Rahul’s dimissal in Perth sparks controversy
Team India endured a difficult start against Australia on Friday morning, opting to bat first in the opening Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood troubled the visitors with the new ball, dismissing the top four batters caught behind. However, KL Rahul’s dismissal raised eyebrows as the TV umpire’s decision seemingly lacked sufficient evidence.
IND vs AUS 1st Test Day 1 Live
Opening the batting in Rohit Sharma’s absence, Rahul displayed patience and determination despite losing his batting partners. He took his time to settle, facing 12 deliveries before getting off the mark. After battling for over 70 balls, the Australians finally broke through, but the third umpire, Richard Illingworth, appeared to make a hasty decision.
In the 23rd over, Starc’s good length delivery passed Rahul’s bat as he leant forward to defend. The ball then brushed his pad on its way to the wicketkeeper. Umpire Richard Kettleborough was unconvinced by the appeal, leading Australia to review the decision.
Although the Snickometer registered a spike, the replay angle, from the side, failed to conclusively show whether the bat was close to the pad. Surprisingly, the third umpire based his decision solely on the spike, disregarding the absence of a front-on angle in conjunction with the Snickometer. Consequently, Kettleborough had to overturn his original decision, leaving Rahul visibly disappointed.
Even the commentators were left surprised by the TV umpire’s decision who didn’t evaluate all the angles before reaching a conclusion.
“3rd umpire ne hawa mein teer maara hai,” said Wasim Akram on Hindi commentary.
Indian top-order failed to counter seam and extra bounce after their captain Jasprit Bumrah’s inexplicable decision as the visitors crawled to 51 for 4 at lunch on the first day of the opening Test against Australia.
Save KL Rahul (26 off 74 balls), who displayed good technique and admirable temperament till he was at the crease, youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and Devdutt Padikkal (0) were left searching for answers along with Virat Kohli (5), whose indifferent run of form continued.
Rahul’s contentious dismissal just before lunch put India in complete disarray. At the break, Rishabh Pant was batting on 10 with Dhruv Jurel (4 batting) for company.
(With Agency Inputs)
- Location :
Perth, Australia