KL Rahul’s controversial dismissal sparked debate on Day 1 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as India staged a strong comeback, ending the day on top with Australia at 67/7.
New Delhi: KL Rahul’s controversial dismissal became a hot topic on Day 1 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as India made a remarkable comeback to finish the day on top against Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth. Many former cricketers believed Rahul was unlucky after the on-field decision was overturned by the third umpire, with some suggesting that more replays could have been reviewed. However, Mitchell Starc, the Australian pacer, disagreed, describing the dismissal as a “regulation wicket” and dismissing any controversy surrounding the call.
Rahul (26), who appeared to be the most fluent batter among the Indians, was controversially dismissed after Australia opted for a review off Mitchell Starc’s bowling just before lunch on Day 1 of the first Test.
On-field umpire Richard Kettleborough initially did not give Rahul out, but Australia opted for a review. Third umpire Richard Illingworth overturned the decision after seeing a spike on the snicko, though some believed the spike could have been caused by the bat hitting the pad simultaneously.
Speaking about the controversial call during the post-day press conference, Mitchell Starc said, “It got overturned obviously, but I thought it was regulation, the sound it made, the timing of it, I thought it was just a regulation wicket.”
Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri, commenting on Fox Cricket, stated that there was insufficient evidence for the third umpire to overturn the on-field decision.
“My initial reaction was, was there enough evidence there for the third umpire to overrule what was given. It was not out on the field of play. Did I see enough there for me to be convinced? I didn’t see enough, to be honest,” Shastri said on Fox Cricket.
On Day 1 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India made a remarkable comeback after being bowled out for just 150. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah spearheaded the attack, claiming four wickets to leave Australia struggling at 67/7 by stumps. Despite leading the Australian charge, captain Pat Cummins’ side still trails India by 83 runs.
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