Win Projections to be updated soon
The opening day of the First Test between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 was overshadowed by controversy. Indian batter KL Rahul’s dismissal sparked debates over the third umpire’s decision-making, leaving fans and experts questioning the standards of officiating.
Rahul, who scored 26 runs off 74 balls, faced a delivery from Mitchell Starc in the 23rd over. The dismissal, however, became a talking point due to the lack of conclusive evidence reviewed by the third umpire, Richard Illingworth.
The Controversial Dismissal
Starc delivered a good-length ball angled across Rahul, who attempted a defensive shot. The ball carried through to the wicketkeeper, prompting a loud appeal from the Australians. The on-field umpires were unmoved, forcing Australia to review the decision.
Replays showed two distinct sounds as the ball passed the bat, but the visuals were inconclusive. Snicko revealed a spike, but the side-on replay failed to clarify if the sound came from the bat or the pad. Without examining the front-on angle, the third umpire overturned the on-field decision based solely on the spike.
Rahul, visibly frustrated, walked back to the pavilion shaking his head. Later replays suggested that the sound may have come from the bat hitting the pad, sparking outrage among commentators and fans.
The commentators also expressed disbelief at the decision. Many felt that without clear evidence from multiple angles, the benefit of the doubt should have gone to Rahul, since the call from the on-field umpire was not out.
“His pad and bat are not together at that point in time as the ball passes. It’s (bat hitting 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 be the case.”, said Matthew Hayden in the commentary box.
Mark Nicholas also expressed his concern, stating, “I don’t see any conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision”.
Watch: Virat Kohli Falls Early to Josh Hazlewood’s Ripper as India Struggles in Perth Test
Watch the dismissal here:
A Nightmare Start for India
Rahul’s dismissal was India’s fourth blow before lunch, leaving them at a precarious 51/4. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal failed to score, both being dismissed for ducks. Virat Kohli also fell cheaply for just 5 runs, leaving India at 51 for 4 at lunch. At lunch, Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant were left to rebuild after a disastrous start.
India’s shaky start was compounded by the absence of key players. Regular skipper Rohit Sharma missed the Test, with Jasprit Bumrah stepping in as stand-in captain. Shubman Gill was also unavailable due to injury, forcing the inclusion of Devdutt Padikkal and debutant Dhruv Jurel.
India handed Test caps to all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and pacer Harshit Rana, hoping for fresh contributions. However, their inexperience is a challenge in the high-stakes encounter.
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