In a contentious moment during the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed under controversial circumstances, prompting reactions from both captains, Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins. The incident has sparked widespread debate regarding the use of technology in cricket and its implications for decision-making.
The controversial dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal
The drama unfolded on Day 5 when Jaiswal was batting on 84 runs. He attempted to hook a short delivery from Cummins, which was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Initially, on-field umpire Joel Wilson ruled Jaiswal not out after an appeal for caught behind. However, Cummins opted for a Decision Review System (DRS) review, leading to a lengthy examination by third umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat.
Despite the Snickometer showing no spike to indicate an edge, Saikat overturned the on-field decision based on visual evidence suggesting a deflection. This decision left Jaiswal visibly distraught as he walked off the field, with many fans in the stadium expressing their displeasure by chanting “cheaters.”
Rohit Sharma’s reaction
Indian captain Rohit reflected on the dismissal, emphasizing that technology should be used effectively. “Look, I really don’t know what to make of that because the technology didn’t show anything. With the naked eye, it seemed that he did touch something. I don’t know how the umpires want to use the technology, but in all fairness, he did touch the ball,” Rohit stated. “But again, it’s about the technology, which we all know is not 100 per cent.”
Also READ: AUS vs IND – ‘Cheating’ trends as Yashasvi Jaiswal given ‘out’ despite no edge on Snickometer
Pat Cummins’ perspective
Conversely, Australian skipper Cummins defended the third umpire’s decision, stating that Jaiswal dropped his head after hitting the ball. “Oh look, I think it was just clear that he hit it. We heard a noise, saw a deviation, so it was absolutely certain that he hit it. As soon as we referred it, you could see him drop his head and basically acknowledge that he hit it. On the screen you can see he hit it,” Cummins remarked.
“Ultra-edge… I don’t think anyone has complete confidence in it and didn’t really show much but fortunately there’s enough other evidence to show it was clearly out,” he added.
Jaiswal’s dismissal proved pivotal as India struggled to recover after losing their top-order batter. Following Jaiswal’s exit, India collapsed from 140 for 6 to 155 all out, resulting in a 184-run defeat and giving Australia a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.