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West Indies head coach Daren Sammy didn’t hold back after a controversial Day 2 in the Bridgetown Test against Australia, taking aim at TV umpire Adrian Holdstock’s decision-making.
Daren Sammy slams umpire Holdstock’s inconsistencies amid high-drama Bridgetown Test
Sammy’s frustration boiled over as two critical calls went against the West Indies, one that saw Roston Chase adjudged LBW to Pat Cummins despite a spike on UltraEdge suggesting a potential inside edge, and another where Shai Hope was given out caught behind despite inconclusive replays.
Sammy insisted there was visible deviation of the ball onto the pad in Chase’s dismissal and questioned why that wasn’t enough to overturn the decision. “I have noticed, especially with this particular umpire, it’s something that for me started in England. It’s frustrating. I just ask for consistency in the decision-making,” he said, referencing not just this Test but a pattern of calls involving Holdstock dating back to previous tours, including England. “You don’t want to go into a Test match not trusting the umpires,” Sammy added, confirming as per Cricbuzz report he had spoken to match referee Javagal Srinath to seek clarity on how decisions are being judged.
2 things…. 1, The reaction by chase when they went to ball tracking says it all for me, he is usually a very timid cricketer. And B. Ian bishop has a bit of a meltdown on the audio. (Vision from WI YouTube) #WIvAuS pic.twitter.com/lqHY8nOTEI
— Coach lukas (@lukeR15sky) June 26, 2025
WI vs AUS: Frustration grows on both sides as players and coaches call for fairness
The drama didn’t end with the West Indies. Australia too voiced concern over umpiring consistency. Mitchell Starc pointed to a moment earlier on Day 2 where they believed Chase was out LBW, only for the TV umpire to uphold the on-field call, citing insufficient evidence. Later, Chase was dismissed in a similar situation that sparked further debate. Starc highlighted inconsistencies in how technology like Snicko and replay visuals were synced. “It felt like the Snicko and the images were out of sync,” he remarked, echoing widespread confusion.
Sammy, however, was more direct. “Judge what you see. If there is doubt in one and it’s not out, how can the other be given out?” he questioned. While he stopped short of confirming whether an official complaint would be filed, he didn’t rule it out either: “You’ll have to wait and see,” Sammy clarified that his discontent wasn’t aimed at encouraging his players to publicly challenge umpires, aware of the risks of fines, but emphasized the need for procedural clarity. “We know the rules. We just want fairness,” Sammy concluded firmly.
Also READ: Fans react as West Indies bounce back against Australia on Day 2 of Bridgetown Test
