In the ongoing first Test between India and Australia at Perth, a controversial decision raised eyebrows when KL Rahul was adjudged caught behind off Mitchell Starc’s bowling. The dismissal occurred at a critical juncture with India struggling at 47/4. Here’s what transpired:
The Decision
- Delivery: Mitchell Starc bowled a good-length delivery to KL Rahul, which carried through to the keeper, Alex Carey.
- Review Drama: Initially given not out, Australia opted for a review. Replays showed a clear spike on Snickometer, but the visuals lacked clarity on whether the noise came from bat or pad.
- Third Umpire’s Call: The third umpire upheld the decision based on the spike, despite inconclusive evidence from the side-on angle.
Reactions
- Australian Camp: Pat Cummins and his team celebrated the breakthrough as Starc claimed his second wicket of the session.
- Indian Camp: The dismissal left Indian fans and players visibly disappointed as the replays didn’t definitively confirm an edge.
- KL Rahul’s Stay: Rahul had shown grit in his knock of 26 off 74 deliveries before the contentious dismissal.
Match Context
- At the time of Rahul’s dismissal, India was in dire straits with four wickets down for just 47 runs, placing significant pressure on the middle and lower order.
The decision is likely to be a talking point in post-match discussions, especially given the crucial stage of the game at which it occurred.