The dramatic fifth day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne was marred by the contentious dismissal of Indian batter Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The decision, made by third umpire after a disputed DRS review, set off a storm of criticism from cricketing legends and officials alike, with Sunil Gavaskar and BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla leading the charge against what they described as a 'wrong decision'.
Jaiswal, batting doggedly on 84 off 208 deliveries seemed to be India's last remaining hope of saving a draw in the face of Australia's blistering attack. However controversy erupted when he tried to hook one short-pitched from Pat Cummins that dropped outside the leg stump.
On-field umpire Joel Wilson initially gave Jaiswal not out after Australia's appeal for a caught-behind dismissal. However, Australian captain Cummins immediately opted for the Decision Review System (DRS), challenging the on-field decision.
Third umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat reviewed the available evidence. Though Snickometer showed no spike as the ball passed the bat and gloves of Jaiswal, the television umpire went with visual evidence of slight deflection from the batter's right index finger and a perceived change in direction of the ball. So, Sharfuddoula overturned the on-field call, declaring Jaiswal out.
Sunil Gavaskar was very hard on his criticism of the third umpire's decision. Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar says, "If you're using technology, then use the technology only. Whatever I'm seeing, I always say this is an optical illusion. Snicko is a straight line. So it's absolutely not out. According to me, this is not out. This is wrong decision. Absolutely wrong decision. Otherwise, don't use the technology. If you're going to opt for the optical illusion, then don't use technology at all. It's simple."
BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla also vented on 'X' that "Yashaswi Jaiswal was clearly not out. Third umpire should have made a note of what technology was showing. Overruling the field umpire, the third umpire must have reasons."
Jaiswal was visibly distraught with the decision. After brief argument with the on-field umpires, he walked back to the pavilion after scoring 84 off 208.
Five-time ICC umpire of the year Simon Taufel told Channel Seven that Sharfuddoula was right to give Jaiswal out. "With the technology, we have a hierarchy and (if there is a) clear deflection off the bat there is no need to go any further and use any other form of technology to prove the case. The clear deflection is conclusive evidence."
Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich doing commentary on SEN cricket said, "Clearly out. I can't believe Snicko hasn't shown anything up."
This was not the first time that DRS decisions have come under scrutiny during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the opening Test in Perth, KL Rahul's dismissal also sparked controversy when third umpire Richard Illingworth overturned an on-field decision without having access to a split-screen view that could have clarified whether the ball grazed Rahul's bat or merely the pads.
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