Boxing Day Test: Why Pat Cummins Was Denied To Take DRS Against Siraj By Umpires?

Pat Cummins' DRS appeal against Siraj rejected in a controversial moment [Source: @FoxCricket]

In a bizarre moment, Australian captain Pat Cummins’s appeal for a review of a caught-behind dismissal involving Mohammed Siraj was ruled out by umpires. Dissatisfied by the third umpire’s hasty decision, Cummins asked for a team review, which the on-field umpires refused to avail, igniting a new controversy.

On Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, Nitish Reddy and Mohammed Siraj walked out to bat. Two overs into the first session, Australian captain Pat Cummins got a breakthrough before the third umpire made a mess of the situation.

Cummins backed himself to fetch the final wicket of India’s innings on Day 4. For the final ball of the 119th over, the skipper bowled a yorker-length delivery that angled in after hitting the surface. Siraj found an edge, and Steve Smith latched on to a low catch at the second slip.

However, as the on-field umpires summoned the third umpire to determine if the catch was clean. And in just two replays, the TV umpire came to a conclusion that the ball had bumped before Smith caught it, giving a lifeline to Siraj.

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Pat Cummins displeased with umpiring standards at MCG

Pat Cummins wasn’t convinced with the decision and raised a review sign to use his team’s official DRS referral. He was adamant that the third umpire would look at the footage again. 

However, since the moment in question had already been reviewed once, on-field umpires rejected Cummins’ request for another referral.  Needless to say, the captain wasn’t happy as he returned to the field with a dejected face.

That being said, the controversial moment didn’t cost Australia much as Nitish Reddy holed out too long off against Nathan Lyon in the very next over. India wrapped up the innings at 369, with Australia retaining a comfortable 105-run lead.

A lot of action is yet to unfold in the crucial Boxing Day Test at MCG. However, with the start the hosts have had on Day 3, they appear to be seated comfortably in a winning position.

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