Report: Joe Root, Chris Silverwood appeals match referee over 3rd umpire accusations

On Wednesday, in the ongoing pink-ball Test in Ahmedabad at Narendra Modi Stadium, the head coach of England Chris Silverwood and skipper Joe Root asked match referee to have ‘Consistency’ in the process by which the 3rd umpire makes decision.

Both Root and Silverwood appealed the ICC match referee Javagal Srinath after the end of the opening day’s match. According to England the certain decisions that went in the India’s way were made quickly.

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India batsman Shubham Gill was caught off Stuart Broad in the slips by Ben Strokes, but the 3rd umpire decided that the all-rounder had grassed the catch. In another incident a speedy baffling by Ben Foakes didn’t result in a wicket as Rohit Sharma had grounded his foot at the right time.

ESPNcricinfo quoted an England team spokesperson as saying, “After the match the head coach and England captain recognized the challenges the umpire faced and asked respectfully that in making any decisions there was consistency in the process. The match referee said the captain was asking right questions to the umpires.”

On the opening day, England batsman Zak Crawley also expressed frustration after several umpiring decisions that didn’t went in favour of the England.

During virtual press conference Crawley said, “Yes, it was very frustrating as we were behind in the game and we needed 50-50 to go our way. It is frustrating as we desperately want to win and it doesn’t help in our chances of winning. I hope we play better tomorrow and don’t require that 50-50.”

Ishant Sharma playing the 100th Test provided India with the first achievement and after the main wicket, the spinners assumed control over the mantle from the pacer. Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar spun a web over England squad to bundle out them for 112 in the main innings.

India finished the first day of the pink-ball Test against England in the driver’s seat as Rohit hit fifty to take the hosts at 99/3. India is following by 13 runs in the main innings with seven wickets taken care of.