• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Could Make Or Break West Indies Captain Blast Umpiring Errors In Defeat To Australia

"Could Make Or Break..." West Indies Captain Blast Umpiring Errors In Defeat To Australia

Sakshi Sharma

Roston Chase at press conference (Source:@np_nationpress,x.com)Roston Chase at press conference (Source:@np_nationpress,x.com)

The West Indies team has launched a strong critique of the umpiring standards during the first Test against Australia at Kensington Oval. Captain Roston Chase and head coach Daren Sammy publicly expressed their frustration with poor umpiring decisions. Their remarks come in the wake of 159-run defeat, in a match overshadowed by a series of controversial calls that went against the hosts.

At the centre of the storm is third umpire Adrian Holdstock, whose decisions particularly the LBW dismissal of Roston Chase and the controversial catch that removed Shai Hope have drawn heavy criticism from the WI camp.

Roston Chase Frustrated On Poor Umpiring

Chase minced no words in his post-match comments and called out the apparent lack of accountability for match officials. He expressed his dismay at how the questionable calls derailed the team's momentum.

WI head coach Daren Sammy also made his dissatisfaction clear, requesting a meeting with match referee Javagal Srinath after the close of play on Day 2.

"This game is a frustrating one for me and for the team because we bowled out Australia for a relatively low score. We were very happy with that. But then there were so many questionable calls in the game, and none of them went our way. I mean, as a player, you're out there, you're giving your all, you're fighting. And then nothing is going your way," Chase told reporters after the first Test concluded, as per ESPNCricinfo.


"It could be heartbreaking. You see what set batters can do on the wicket. The wicket is one where once you get in, you can get runs, but the hardest part is to get in. Me and Shai Hope were going well and then, obviously, we had some questionable calls. That really set us back in terms of creating a big lead on the total that Australia set," he added.


"It's clear to see anyone would feel bad or feel hurt about those decisions. You're out there playing to win, giving it your all, and it seems like everyone is against you. It's frustrating because as players, when we mess up, when we get out of line, we're penalised harshly," Chase said.

As of now, the ICC has not issued a formal response to the comments. However, both Chase and Sammy could face disciplinary action under the ICC Code of Conduct for publicly criticizing match officials. 

Controversial Decisions Raise Eyebrows

The first decision involved Roston Chase himself, who was adjudged LBW by the third umpire despite what appeared to be a clear inside edge. On-field replays suggested contact with the bat before the pad, but the decision stood. 

Another moment that left the WI camp fuming was Shai Hope’s dismissal, which was caught behind by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Television replays showed uncertainty over whether Carey had completed the catch cleanly, but once again, the third umpire gave the benefit of the doubt to Australia.

Earlier, on Day 1, West Indies thought they had Travis Head dismissed caught behind. But despite a seemingly clean grab by the West Indies skipper, the decision was ruled in Australia’s favour.

With two Tests still to be played in the series, the West Indies will likely bounce back on the field and will also want to see a higher standard of officiating in the matches to come.