Australian captain Pat Cummins backed the third umpire’s call to declare Yashasvi Jaiswal caught behind on Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, December 30. Cummins noted that Jaiswal’s head dropped after the decision was referred upstairs, suggesting acknowledgement of the edge.
Jaiswal, who top-scored with 84 in India’s chase of 340, was controversially dismissed caught behind off Cummins despite no spike on the Snickometer. A deviation in the ball’s path led the third umpire to overturn the decision. India were bowled out for 155, losing by 184 runs.
Although Jaiswal appeared frustrated with the decision, Cummins maintained that it was correct. During the post-match press conference, he stated (as quoted by India Today):
“I think it was clear that he hit it. I heard a noise (and) saw deviation. So I was absolutely certain that he hit it. As soon as we referred it, you could see him drop his head and basically acknowledge that he hit it.”
"I can see the ball has made contact with the gloves. Joel, you need to change your decision."
And with that, Jaiswal is out! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/biOQP4ZeDB
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 30, 2024
India had a disastrous start chasing 340, losing three wickets for just 33 runs. Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant (30) steadied the innings during the second session, sparking hope for the visitors. However, Pant fell early in the final session, triggering a collapse in the Indian innings.
“We often lose such decisions”- Rohit Sharma on Jaiswal’s dismissal
Indian captain Rohit Sharma reflected on Jaiswal’s controversial dismissal in the Boxing Day Test, acknowledging the correct decision but lamenting that India often faces the wrong side of such close calls.
“It didn’t show in Snicko, but with the naked eye, there was a clear deflection. In all fairness, it looked like he touched it. But, more often than not, we fall on the wrong side of such decisions,” Rohit stated.
Jaiswal was dismissed for 84 off 208 balls, playing a determined knock with eight fours. In the first innings, he scored 82 off 118 balls but was run out following a costly mix-up with Virat Kohli.
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