In a crucial moment during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, Ajinkya Rahane survived a close LBW appeal through the DRS (Decision Review System) thanks to the umpire’s call. The decision proved to be a lifeline for the Indian batsman, who then took advantage of the reprieve by smashing back-to-back fours in the following deliveries.
It all started with a loud shout for LBW from the Australian team as Rahane was beaten in front of middle and leg by a sharply jagging delivery from Green. The umpire remained unmoved, and Australia decided to review the decision. The crucial question was whether the angle of the delivery was taking it down the leg side. After careful examination through ball-tracking, it was determined that the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps, but only by a marginal margin. Rahane survived once again, with the umpire’s call ultimately favoring him.
In the following delivery, he got an outside edge on a delivery offering width, and the ball flew over the slips cordon, racing away to the boundary. Rahane’s luck was certainly favoring him, and he made the most of the opportunities presented to him.
Not satisfied with just one boundary, Rahane continued his attacking intent. Buoyed by his narrow escape, Rahane showed great composure and determination in the very next deliveries. With Green bowling a good length delivery wide of off stump, Rahane displayed his trademark elegance and timing as he leaned across and effortlessly drove the ball past extra-cover for a boundary. It was a shot filled with class and precision, leaving the fielders with no chance to stop it.
