Ajinkya Rahane’s India was on the wrong side of a couple of close situations even as they dominated the first 2 sessions of the Boxing Day Test against Australia on Saturday. Third referee Paul Wilson’s call for deputy captain Tim Paine not to be eliminated during the start of the third session left the India fans furious and frustrated.
There was a lot of confusion between young off-roader Cameron Green and Tim Paine in 55th and the Australian captain was struggling to reach the front end. A decent shot from Umesh Yadav was well received by goalkeeper Rishabh Pant, who broke the stumps.
Australia vs India, second test day 1: live updates
The Indian gardeners weren’t sure, but the replays made it seem closer. In fact, from a camera angle, there was no evidence to suggest that Paine’s bat was beyond the fold line. The third referee asked for one side of the leg and even with that, there was no conclusive evidence that any part of Paine’s bat was over the crease.
“There is no conclusive evidence to show that the bat is on the wrong side of the line, so it appears that the bat might have gone over the line a bit. My decision is not ruled out,” third referee Paul Wilson was heard saying during the previous broadcast. ‘NOT OUT’ appeared on the big screen at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
However, India’s captain Ajinkya Rahane was not impressed with the decision as he was seen arguing with the outfield referee after the Australian third referee, Wilson, declared that Paine was not out. Paine was hitting at 6 when the decision went in his favor. It was an important moment in the test match, as India looked to put more pressure on the two new hitters in the middle. However, Paine couldn’t add much to the tally as Ashwin fired him for 13 in the 63rd.
Former Australia player Shane Warne disagreed with NOT OUT’s decision as he took to social media to suggest that Tim Paine should have been walking back to the cabin.
“Very surprised Tim Paine survived that exhausted review! He had it on his bike and I thought there was no part of his bat behind the line! It should have come out in my opinion,” Warne wrote on Twitter.
Very surprised Tim Paine survived that sold out review! He had him on his bike and I thought there was no part of his bat behind the line. Should have come out in my opinion
– Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) December 26, 2020
Former batsman and commentator from India, Aakash Chopra, lashed out at third referee Paul Wilson, pointing to Jason Holder’s comments on the need for neutral referees. Notably, the International Cricket Council approved local umpires in test matches due to the new coronavirus pandemic, while increasing the DRS review count from 2 to 3.
“That was OUT. Jason Holder was right. If players can be in a bio-bubble for so long … umpires should do the same,” wrote Aakash Chopra.
That was OUT.
Jason Holder was right. If players can be in a biobubble for so long … umpires should do the same. #AusvInd– Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 26, 2020
Meanwhile, former ICC Elite Panel referee Simon Taufel weighed in on the issue, saying that Paul Wilson explained his decision quite clearly.
“You heard Paul (Wilson) explain it quite clearly, he was looking for conclusive evidence to show the bat on the wrong side of the line with the bail removed from the top of the stump. He couldn’t prove the hitter was low off his line. “Taufel said on Channel 7.
