Controversy In West Indies - (Source :@ScreenGrab)
Day 2 of the first Test between West Indies and Australia began at a high tempo as tempers flared early, with the visitors unhappy over the quality of on-field umpiring.
Notably, things did not start well for Australia, as the Baggy Greens were bowled out for just 180 runs in their first innings—their lowest-ever total in the West Indies in the last 30 years.
In reply, the Aussie bowlers were right on task, reducing the Windies to 57/4 by stumps on Day 1. Returning to the controversy, Australia were denied the opportunity to claim a fifth wicket during Josh Hazlewood’s over.
What Happened?
On the last ball of the 21st over, Josh Hazlewood bowled a beautiful nipping-in delivery to Roston Chase, who looked to play it across the line. The ball found the faintest of edges on the bat and also brushed Chase’s pad.
The Australians were optimistic and appealed loudly, but umpire Nitin Menon was unmoved and did not raise his finger. Skipper Pat Cummins opted for a review, which is where the controversy erupted.
The replay showed a big spike on the bat, but before that, it brushed the pad, and UltraEdge also confirmed the edge. However, the third umpire failed to notice the small spike and did not proceed with the ball-tracking system.
Hazlewood And Cummins Lose Cool
Nitin Menon was asked to stay with his original not-out decision, which did not sit well with the Aussies. Cummins lost his cool alongside Hazlewood, and both seamers expressed their displeasure to the umpire.
Cummins was visibly frustrated and raised his arms in anger, almost as if to point out the error to the umpire.
Dropped Catches Hurting Australia
Besides the controversy, Australia are frustrated by missed chances. Notably, in the first hour of Day 2, the Baggy Greens dropped three catches. Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, and Travis Head were the three players who missed key chances.
At the time of writing, West Indies are 70/4 and trail by 110 runs.
 "Abhinav Tyagi")
