The dismissal of Indian batter Yashasvi Jaiswal on the fifth and final day of the fourth Test in Melbourne has ignited widespread debate after a controversial decision by the third umpire. The young left-hander, who was batting on a solid 84, was given out caught behind despite the Snickometer showing no spike.
Yashasvi Jaiswal given out in a controversial manner
The incident tool place when Jaiswal attempted to hook a short-pitched delivery from Pat Cummins, which was angled down the leg side. Although he appeared to miscue the shot, Australia immediately appealed for a catch behind the stumps. On-field umpire Joel Wilson initially ruled the batter not out, prompting Cummins to opt for a review.
Replays revealed a visible deflection off the bat as the ball passed by, but the Snickometer did not register any spike. Despite this, the third umpire overturned the on-field decision, citing the deflection as sufficient evidence. Jaiswal was visibly upset, arguing with the umpires before reluctantly walking off the field.
The controversy has sparked debates among fans and experts, with many questioning the standards of decision-making. Critics argue that the third umpire requires conclusive evidence to overturn on-field decisions, a principle that appeared debatable in this case.
Sunil Gavaskar on Yashasvi Jaiswal Dismissal 🗣️ “If the evidence of the technology is not to be taken, why have it at all? That is something that would definitely be the query as far as the Indians are concerned.”
– What’s your take on this ?#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/RJnl2LVV7C
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) December 30, 2024
Why was there no spike on Snickometer?
Warren Brennan, an expert from BBG Sports, the company responsible for Snickometer, offered insights into the situation. Brennan clarified that the absence of a spike was due to the nature of the contact.
“That was one of those glance-shots where there isn’t any noise, so Snicko shows nothing, only ambient noise,” Brennan was quoted as saying to Code Sports. “I checked with the audio director, and he confirmed there was no noise either. Probably only HotSpot could have resolved that one.”
Australia clinch Boxing Day Test to take 2-1 lead
Amid the controversy, Australia registered a crucial victory in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), gaining a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Chasing a target of 340, India were bowled out for a paltry 155 in their second innings, with the team collapsing in the final session.
Cummins was the standout performer for Australia, delivering an all-round masterclass. The Aussie skipper claimed three wickets in each innings, registering figures of 3/89 and 3/28, and also made valuable contributions with the bat. Cummins scored 49 off 63 balls in the first innings and followed it up with a resilient 41 off 90 balls in the second.
The decisive win has placed Australia in a commanding position ahead of the final Test, as India faces the challenge of mounting a comeback to level the series.