A bit of controversy erupted on Day 2 of the ongoing pink-ball Test between India and Englandat the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad after third umpireChettithodyShamshuddin reversed the decision by the on-field umpire to give a lifeline to England captain Joe Root.
The incident happened in the fourth delivery of the 15thoverwhenAxarPatel fired a straighter delivery to Root as the ball stuck the England skipper’s pad. While the on-field umpire raised his fingers to give marching orders to Root, the England captain reviewed the decision.
Root leant forward to defend the ball but with his bat and pad very close to each other, the England skipper took the DRS very late. The third umpire took a close look at various angles. After going through the delivery with zoomed-in angles, there was still a bit of confusion.
While one angle showed that the ball struck the pad first, the other angle showed there was a bit ofbat. After taking a close look atit, the third umpire decided to reverse the decision with Root getting a life-line.
ButAxarwas quick to send back the England captain as a couple of overs later, he dismissed Root.
However, cricket fans on social media were clearly unhappy as the majority of them thought it was apad first and hence, Root should have been given out.
Meanwhile, India continued to dominate proceedings on Day 2. Despite getting bowled out for 145, Indian bowlers made life difficult for the visitors and picked upfive wickets at a time when England were just on 56.
The series is locked at 1-1 with India looking to take a lead in the four-Test series.