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The Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) concluded with a dramatic flair, leaving fans, players, and officials debating the reliability and use of technology in cricket. The match, which saw Australia clinching a 184-run victory, was overshadowed by the contentious dismissal of young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Contentious DRS decision ends Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brilliant knock
Jaiswal, who was anchoring India’s chase with a resilient 84, faced a pivotal moment in the 71st over. Attempting to pull a short-pitched delivery from Australian captain Pat Cummins, the ball seemed to graze past Jaiswal’s bat and gloves, leading to an appeal for a caught-behind dismissal. On-field umpire Joel Wilson initially ruled Jaiswal not out, but following a DRS (Decision Review System) review by Australia, the third umpire overturned the decision based on visual evidence of a deflection, despite the absence of a spike on the Snickometer.
BCCI Vice-President raises the issue
This decision has sparked a significant backlash from the cricket community, particularly from the senior member from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla was vocal about his discontent, taking to social media to express his views.
“Yashaswi Jaiswal was clearly not out. Third umpire should have taken note of what technology was suggesting. While over ruling field umpire third umpire should have solid reasons,” wrote Mr Shukla on X (formerly Twitter).
Yashaswi jayaswal was clearly not out. Third umpire should have taken note of what technology was suggesting. While over ruling field umpire third umpire should have solid reasons . @BCCI @ICC @ybj_19
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) December 30, 2024
Also READ: AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Yashasvi Jaiswal reverses Mitchell Starc’s bail ritual to protect Rishabh Pant’s wicket on Day 5 of the MCG Test
Cricket legends join the debate
The dismissal was not just about losing a key batter but raised questions about the interpretation of technology in cricket’s DRS system. The debate centered around whether visual evidence of a deflection should supersede the absence of sound on the Snickometer. Cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar were also critical, with Gavaskar describing the decision as an ‘optical illusion’ and questioning the very purpose of using technology if it isn’t fully considered.
The incident has fueled discussions on the balance between human judgment and technological aid in cricket. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, however, defended the decision, asserting that there was clear contact with Jaiswal’s glove. This view was echoed by former umpire Simon Taufel, who argued that the visual evidence of a deflection was conclusive enough, suggesting that not all decisions need further technological corroboration when the visual proof is evident.
