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AustraliaMonday’s emphatic 184-run win in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the dismissal of India’s opening batsman. Yashasvi Jaiswal. This controversial moment, widely debated among players, commentators and fans, proved pivotal in Australia taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).
Yashavi Jaiswal’s dismissal sparks debate over controversial decision
The incident occurred when Jaiswal, who was India’s top scorer with a resilient 84 in the second innings, was adjudged caught behind the glove. However, opinions on the dismissal remain divided. The ‘Snickometer’ showed no fluctuation, question the validity of the decision. Adding to the drama, third umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat from Bangladesh chose to uphold the on-field umpire’s decision, citing a visible deviation despite inconclusive technology tests.
A visibly upset Jaiswal confronted the on-field umpires before reluctantly walking to the pavilion. His batting partner at the time, Washington Sundarhe also engaged in a lengthy discussion with officials, further highlighting the controversial nature of the decision. The decision ultimately sealed his fate in the match.
Contrasting views of Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting
The incident drew mixed reactions from the former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar and former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.
Gavaskar, speaking during commentary in Hindi, relies heavily on eye-based decisions, stressing the need for technology to avoid optical illusions and improve accuracy, especially when analyzing late swing. He attributed the apparent deviation to late swing, which he suggested could create an optical illusion, and insisted the benefit of the doubt should have gone to the batter.
“That can never be given. If the technology is there, you have to use it. You can’t make a decision based on what you see and ignore the technology. There could be an optical illusion and we’ve seen it many times. The ball that they’re showing, that it swung past the batter and into the keeper’s glove, it could be because of a late swing.” Gavaskar said.
Ponting, on the other hand, was adamant that the right decision was made. He noted that Jaiswal left as soon as the decision was reviewed, although Snicko did not confirm the deviation. Ponting insisted there is no room for debate as the umpire’s call on the glove deflection was clear.
“They can make of it what they like,” Ponting said while making the comment. “That clearly hit the glove… Jaiswal started walking as soon as the Aussies came on. He started to walk a couple of steps away. Snicko hasn’t shown it right but the umpire caught the deflection , he froze it where the ball was at the end of the glove. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no argument.” Ponting stated during the commentary.
READ also: AUS vs IND: Snickometer operator explains absence of spike during Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal
India collapse under pressure against Australia
Jaiswal’s dismissal marked the beginning of India’s dramatic batting collapse. At 121 for 3, the visitors looked to have little chance of chasing down the mammoth target of 340. However, they lost their last seven wickets for just 34 runs, being bowled out for just 155 in 79.1 overs. Australia’s relentless bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins i Mitchell Starche capitalized on the pressure, dismantling India’s lower order with ease. Jaiswal’s valiant effort, which included his second half-century of the match after scoring 82 in the first innings, stood out as a lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal performance. The experienced Indian batsmen incl Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul i Virat Kohlihe was unable to do so, leaving the team with little hope of a comeback.
Australia’s win means they only need a draw in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground to reclaim the BGT for the first time since 2014. For India, the aim is not only to save the series but also to keep your World Trials Championship (WTC) hopes alive amid mounting pressure and scrutiny. The fifth Test, which begins on January 3, 2025, is expected to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams looking to make a mark in what has been a keenly contested series.
