The first day of the fifth Test match between India and Australia was filled with controversies. From Rohit Sharma missing the match and giving the captaincy to Bumrah, to Virat Kohli's controversial call with the third umpire, it was an eventful day. The third umpire, Joel Wilson, gave a favourable decision to India after the on-field umpire went upstairs to him. This decision was met with mixed reviews from former cricketers. Former Test umpire Simon Taufel explained why the decision was a difficult one to judge, citing the ICC protocol on fair catches.
Virat Kohli's Controversial DRS Call Overshadows Dramatic Day at Sydney Test
The opening day of the fifth and final Test match between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground was marred by controversies, including a contentious DRS call by Virat Kohli.
Background:
India entered the match without regular captain Rohit Sharma, who was ruled out due to an injury. Jasprit Bumrah was handed the captaincy role for the first time in Test cricket, making him the first fast bowler to lead India in the longest format.
The DRS Controversy:
During Australia's innings, debutant Cameron Green was given out caught behind by on-field umpire Paul Reiffel. However, Green challenged the decision through the Decision Review System (DRS). Third umpire Joel Wilson overturned Reiffel's call and ruled in favor of Green, citing the presence of doubt.
The decision sparked outrage on social media and among former cricketers. Many believed that the evidence was inconclusive and that the benefit of the doubt should have gone to the fielding team.
Former Umpire's Explanation:
Former Test umpire Simon Taufel explained that the decision was a difficult one to judge due to the ICC protocol on fair catches. The protocol states that a catch is fair if it is "taken cleanly without touching the ground or any other object, and the fielder has not obstructed the batsman's view of the ball or made any sudden movement that could have affected the batsman's ability to make the catch."
Taufel argued that the video footage showed a "tiny flicker" in Green's glove as the ball hit it. He concluded that the third umpire had no choice but to give the batsman the benefit of the doubt and rule in his favor.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Was the DRS decision correct?
Why was Virat Kohli criticized for his involvement?
Has there been any history of DRS controversies in cricket?
What is the future of DRS in cricket?
What was the outcome of the match?
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