Sydney [Australia], January 1: Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey has backed the third umpire’s decision regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal’s controversial dismissal on the final day of the Melbourne Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Carey praised the third umpire for making the correct call despite the divided opinions surrounding the incident.
Australia emerged victorious by 184 runs in the Melbourne Test, taking a 2-1 series lead and effectively ending India’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s next year.
The dismissal in question occurred on the fifth ball of the 71st over when Jaiswal attempted a pull shot against Australian captain Pat Cummins. After an initial rejection by the on-field umpire, Cummins opted for a review, leading to the controversial moment. Although replays suggested the ball may have deflected off Jaiswal’s gloves, the snickometer didn’t register any sound, which left the cricket world divided on the decision.
Despite the confusion, the third umpire, Sharfuddoula, decided to overturn the on-field umpire’s ruling, believing the visual evidence was sufficient to confirm Jaiswal’s dismissal.
Jaiswal had played a solid knock of 84 runs off 208 balls, including 8 boundaries, before his controversial dismissal. Reflecting on the incident, Carey said, “I had no doubt, and the evidence was clear. The third umpire made the correct decision. Snicko’s been a bit funny in this series, but when you put all the evidence together, the correct call was made. I think the third umpire did a really good job.”
Australia had set India a target of 340 runs on Day 5 of the Melbourne Test. However, India’s batting faltered under the pressure of the Aussie bowlers, and they were bowled out for 155 in the 80th over. Pat Cummins was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for his exceptional all-round performance.
The final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting January 3.