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West Indies Frustrated As Umpiring Controversies Stun Hosts In Barbados Test Vs Australia

Sakshi Sharma

West Indies and Australia's controversial moment (Source:@Dre1818,.x.com)West Indies and Australia's controversial moment (Source:@Dre1818,.x.com)

The first Test between West Indies and Australia at Kensington Oval has taken a dramatic turn due to a series of controversial umpiring decisions that have sparked widespread backlash. Two days into the match, no fewer than five controversial calls have left players and fans questioning the consistency and reliability of the DRS. 

The Test has been overshadowed by growing frustration in the West Indies camp, with multiple decisions appearing to go against them at critical junctures.

So, having said all this, in this article, let's take a look at all the controversies in the first Test match between WI and Australia. 

Incident 1: Travis Head Given Not Out Despite Clean Catch

The first moment came on Day 1 when Travis Head appeared to edge a delivery from Shamar Joseph behind the stumps. Wicketkeeper Shai Hope confidently claimed the catch and the WI immediately went up in appeal. The on-field decision was sent upstairs, and third umpire was called into action.

Despite replays showing what many believed to be a clear edge and a clean catch taken by Hope, the third umpire ruled the decision as not out.

Incident 2: Roston Chase Survives Marginal LBW

Controversy escalated early on Day 2 when Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood struck Roston Chase on the pads. The Australians appealed for LBW, but the on-field umpire turned it down. Upon review, UltraEdge showed a spike as the ball passed the front pad before hitting the bat. Despite visual indications that the ball had hit the pad first, Holdstock upheld the on-field call of not out.

Incident 3: Roston Chase Falls To Another Debated LBW

Later in the same innings, Chase once again found himself in the centre of drama. This time, Pat Cummins appealed for LBW, and on-field umpire Richard Kettleborough raised his finger. Chase reviewed the decision. 

UltraEdge showed no spike and a visible gap between the bat and the ball. However, a deflection was visible, which some speculated could be due to contact with the bat or gloves. Holdstock stuck with the on-field call and ruled Chase out LBW. 

Roston Chase give out (Source:@FanCode.x.com)Roston Chase give out (Source:@FanCode.x.com)

Incident 4: Hope Falls To Controversial Catch By Carey

Perhaps the most debated incident came when Shai Hope was dismissed for 48. The West Indies batter edged a delivery from Beau Webster, which was spectacularly claimed by wicketkeeper Alex Carey diving low to his left.

Alex Carey catch (Source:@FanCode,x.com)Alex Carey catch (Source:@FanCode,x.com)

The on-field umpires referred the decision to Holdstock to verify whether the catch was clean. Replays suggested that the ball had brushed the ground while Carey completed the catch. However, in a surprise ruling, Holdstock declared it out, stating there was no conclusive evidence the ball had grounded before the catch was completed.

Incident 5: Green Survives Another Confusing LBW Review

The final moment of controversy came when Australian batter Cameron Green was struck on the pad by Justin Greaves. WI captain Roston Chase opted for a review after the on-field umpire, gave it not out. Replays showed an edge, but it remained unclear whether the ball had struck the pad before or after hitting the bat. Again, Holdstock ruled in favour of the batter, staying with the original decision of not out.