How is it possible that there is a Test series between India and Australia and no controversy arises in it? However, this controversy did not arise from the usual squabbling between the players but due to the decision of the third umpire. As soon as the first match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy started, the first controversy that came up was related to the wicket of KL Rahul. KL Rahul became the victim of Mitchell Starc in the Perth Test. Despite Australia’s strong appeal, the field umpire did not give Rahul out, but on the request of the third umpire, he was forced to change his decision, which not only angered KL Rahul but also escalated the matter.
Why was there ruckus on KL Rahul’s wicket?
Now the question is why was there an uproar on KL Rahul’s wicket? This happened because the field umpire’s decision was reversed after seeing the visual of the dismissal by the third umpire, which was not completely clear. It was not clear in the snickometer whether the ball hit the pad and entered the gloves of the wicketkeeper or after hitting Rahul’s bat. Usually, when there is doubt about the matter, the decision is in favor of the batsman. But nothing like that happened. The third umpire, after seeing the footage from which nothing was happening, gave Rahul out.
Umpire shot in the dark, former cricketers condemned the decision
After the decision of the third umpire in Perth, the facial expression of KL Rahul can be understood very well. This decision given against Rahul is being criticized even outside the field, whereas Wasim Akram directly said in the commentary box that the umpire has fired an arrow in the dark.
No clear footage, umpire gave decision based on guesswork – Hayden
Matthew Hayden also commenting on this incident said that the umpire has given his decision only by assuming that the ball would have taken the edge of the bat. But it may not be so. Cheteshwar Pujara has also talked like Hayden. He said that the footage is not clear so that it can be said that Rahul was out.
“His pad and bat are not together at that point in time as the ball passes.
“It’s (the bat hitting the pad) after, in fact, the ball passes the edge. Does Snicko pick up the sound of the bat hitting the pad?
“We’re assuming (Snicko) may be the outside edge of the bat but that may not pic.twitter.com/hvG0AF9rdo
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 22, 2024