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The Indian batsman’s dismissal Yashasvi Jaiswal the fifth and final day of the fourth Test in Melbourne has sparked widespread debate after a controversial decision by the third umpire. The young left-hander, who was batting at a solid 84, was caught behind despite the Snickometer showing no spike.
Controversially cast Yashasvi Jaiswal
The tool of incidence was when Jaiswal tried to hook a short pitch delivery Pat Cumminswhich was leaning on the side of the leg. Although he appeared to misfire the shot, Australia immediately called for a catch behind the stumps. Field referee Joel Wilson he initially ruled the batsman out, prompting Cummins to opt for a review.
Replays revealed a visible deflection of the bat when passing the ball, but the Snickometer did not register a spike. Despite this, the third umpire overturned the on-field decision, citing the offside as sufficient evidence. Jaiswal was visibly upset, arguing with the umpires before reluctantly leaving the field.
The controversy has sparked debate 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 seemed moot in this case.
Sunil Gavaskar on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s sacking 🗣️ “If the evidence of technology is not to be taken, why have it? That is something that would certainly be the query as far as Indians are concerned.”
– What is your opinion on this?#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/RJnl2LVV7C
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) December 30, 2024
Why was there no spike in the Snickometer?
Warren Brennan, an expert at BBG Sports, the company responsible for the Snickometer, offered insight into the situation. Brennan clarified that the absence of a spike was due to the nature of the contact.
“This was one of those glimpses where there is no noise, so Snicko shows nothing, just ambient noise.” Brennan told Code Sports. “I checked with the audio director and he confirmed there was no noise either. Probably only HotSpot could have fixed that.”
Australia take the Boxing Day Test to lead 2-1
Amid the controversy, Australia registered a crucial victory in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), taking 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 inningswith the team collapsing in the final session.
Cummins was Australia’s standout performer, delivering a complete master class. The Aussie skipper claimed three wickets in each innings, posting 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 put Australia in a commanding position ahead of the final Test as India face the challenge of mounting a comeback to level the series.
