On the fourth day of the Lord’s Test, a controversial decision changed the attitude of the match when England batsman Joe Root was saved from LBW’s appeal off Mohammad Siraj. This decision not only surprised Indian captain Shubman Gill and Siraj, but Sunil Gavaskar, who was commenting, also raised strict questions on the ball tracking technology.
What was the whole matter?
The incident took place in the 38th over of England’s second innings. An insisting delivery of Siraj which started going on the pads of the route. Siraj and Slip Cordon made a strong appeal. Gill did not hesitate to take DRS this time, because he had missed on two earlier appeals.
The replay clearly showed that Root had taken a lot of steps forward and the ball was directly in front of the leg stump. Because of this, Team India was expected to get wickets. But in ball tracking it was shown that the ball was only ‘touching’ the leg stump. That is, she entered the ‘Umpire Call’ and the not out -out decision of the field umpire Paul Rifle was upheld.
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Gavaskar’s anger erupted
Sunil Gavaskar clearly said from the commentary box, ‘You are saying that the ball was just’ kiss’? no way. She would blow straight leg stump. The only good thing is that India’s review did not go.
Former English batsman Jonathan Trot also said, ‘I am shocked. Seeing the replay, it seemed clear that the ball was hitting the inner part of the stump. I could not believe that it could miss.
After this decision, the morale of India’s bowlers was seen falling, and Root, along with captain Ben Stokes, shared a 67 -run partnership. However, Washington Sundar finally gave relief to Team India by bowling the route for 40 runs.
Team India’s playing XI in Lord’s Test: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (Captain), Rishabh Pant (Vice-Qetan/Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammad Siraj.
Host England Playing XI in Lord’s Test: Ben Docket, Jack Craulie, Oli Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (Captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Bridan Cars, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.
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