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'I Actually Think..', Ricky Ponting Shares His Views On Cameron Green’s Controversial Catch

image-liqukpm6Australian players celebrating Gill's dismissal [Source: AP]

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has shared his views on Cameron Green's controversial catch to dismiss Indian opener Shubman Gill off Scott Boland just before tea on Day 4 of the ongoing WTC Final at the Oval.

Chasing 444, Indian openers got off to a great start, scoring 41 runs in the first seven overs, closing towards the end of the second session. Gill, who was batting at 18, was dismissed in the first ball of the 8th over as Boland managed to induce an outside edge, with the ball caught brilliantly by Cameron Green at the gully. 

The on-field umpires were unsure if the catch was taken cleanly and went upstairs for a check. Eventually, third umpire Richard Kettleborough ruled the Indian opener out despite inconclusive evidence. 

The decision fetched numerous talking points and debates between fans and cricket pundits. Moreover, the crowd booed Green when the all-rounder came to bowl the first over after tea.


Ponting rules in favour of Gill

On being asked about the controversial dismissal of Shubman Gill, Ponting stated that he did feel the right decision was made when he watched the catch being taken live. However, he changed his opinion and was not really sure about it after watching different angles on replays.

"When I saw it live, I knew it had carried him to the full, but I wasn’t sure what the action was after that from all replays we have seen. I actually think some part of the ball did touch the ground,"  Ponting said in ICC TV.

Ponting further added that the third umpire must not have taken the entire movement of the catch into his consideration and made his decision watching the ball being off the ground initially.

"It is the interpretation of the umpire that as long as the fielder has complete control of the ball before the ball hits the ground then it is out. It carried probably six or eight inches off the ground then there was another action after that."

Just when India seemed off to a good start, Gill's dismissal did not just break the momentum but raised questions about the fairness of the dismissal. India lost Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara after tea with only 93 on the board. 

However, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane ensured they had no further hiccups in the session and ended the day with 164 on the board, with 280 runs to get on Day five of the Test match.