The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy saw another dramatic Decision Review System (DRS) controversy during the 5th Test at Sydney, as Washington Sundar was adjudged caught behind off Pat Cummins. The dismissal raised questions over the reliability of technology and the third umpire’s interpretation.
What happened with Washington Sundar?
Cummins bowled a short delivery angled down the leg side, and Sundar attempted a pull shot. The on-field umpire initially ruled him not out, but Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey confidently appealed and convinced captain Pat Cummins to review the decision.
- DRS review: Snickometer displayed a spike as the ball passed close to Sundar’s glove, prompting third umpire Joel Wilson to overturn the decision despite certain visible gap between the ball and the glove on side-on replays.
- Indian team reaction: Captain Jasprit Bumrah was visibly frustrated, repeatedly questioning the rationale behind the decision.
Earlier incident: Jaiswal’s controversial dismissal
In a similar incident earlier in the series, Yashasvi Jaiswal was controversially given out caught behind off Cummins. While Snicko showed no spike, the third umpire relied on visual evidence of a deflection and declared Jaiswal out.
The decision drew criticism from experts and fans alike. Sunil Gavaskar remarked, “If technology is available, it should be trusted,” while Australian media speculated on Jaiswal’s potential acknowledgment of the dismissal based on footage of his interaction with Travis Head.
The back-to-back controversies have reignited debates over DRS’s consistency and the umpire’s interpretation of evidence, overshadowing the game.
