"Memories of 2008 are coming back" - Social media erupts after KL Rahul's controversial dismissal on Day 1 of BGT 2024-25 Perth Test
KL Rahul's dismissal sparked a major controversy on Day 1 (Friday, November 22) of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Perth. The opening batter scored 26 runs off 76 balls before being given out LBW in the 23rd over of India's first innings.
There was an appeal for caught behind off left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc's bowling. The on-field umpire adjudged it not out and Australia decided to opt for a review.
The ultra edge showed a spike. However, the third umpire didn't get to check the front-on angle and yet overturned the on-field umpire's decision based on the spike. Replays later showed that KL Rahul's bat may have hit the pad almost at the same time when the ball passed the outside edge.
Following the dismissal, several former cricketers and fans took to social media, expressing their displeasure on the third umpire's decision.
"Front on angle not available at the time of interception??? On-field umpire’s decision not-out. Was there conclusive evidence to overturn the decision? Bat hit the pad for sure…visible confirmation…then why not two spikes on the Ultra-Edge? Ridiculous umpiring from the box," wrote former India opener Aakash Chopra.
"Third umpire asked for another angle which wasn't provided. I'd assume he'd only ask for another angle if he wasn't sure. Then if he wasn't sure, why did he overturn the on field not out call? Poor use of technology and proper protocol not followed. KL hard done by," remarked former cricketer Wasim Jaffer.
"Am still trying to figure this...the claim was we have million cameras when the test match started & just when u need the other cameras they are conveniently unavailable for KL's decision..it was such a big spike for maybe a feather if there was any... surprising," commented former India spinner Murali Kartik.
Here are some of the other top reactions:
"Umpire Mark Nicholas says, "He don't see any conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision for KL Rahul Memories of 2008 are coming back,"" one wrote.
Meanwhile, India won the toss and chose to bat first at Perth. However, the decision backfired as they suffered a top-order collapse, finishing 51/4 at Lunch. KL Rahul was the only batter to cross the 20-run mark in the session.
KL Rahul was India's best batter in the first session of the Perth Test
India found themselves in a precarious position after losing early wickets on the opening day of the Perth Test. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was the first one to depart, getting out to Mitchell Starc for a duck in the third over.
Devdutt Padikkal, who walked out at No. 3, perished after a 26-ball duck. TAce batter Virat Kohli also couldn't steady the ship for his team, scoring just 5 before edging one to the first slip.
Things got worse for the visitors as the well-set KL Rahul departed just before Lunch. The right-handed batter toiled hard for 74 balls but it was ultimately a premature end to a promising knock.