The Australian cricket players began to walk off the field, presuming that they had dismissed Siraj, only to be forced to return to the field after the successful review of the batsman.
On the third day of the finals of the World Test Championship between India and Australia, we saw a brilliant fight back from Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur, as the two brought hope for the team. After KS Bharat lost his wicket early on Day 3, Shardul, alongside comeback man Rahane, showed a partnership of 109 runs for the seventh wicket. Thanks to the amazing performance of the duo, India finished at 296, but one unusual incident took place towards the end of India’s innings, leading to boos from the Indian fans towards the Aussie players.
During the 68th over, Mohammed Siraj, who came to bat at no. 11, was adjudged leg-before-wicket. The umpire raised the finger straightaway, which led to the Australian players departing towards the dressing room. Siraj took a review almost immediately, but the Australian players continued to walk regardless.
The replay showed a thick inside edge off Siraj’s bat before the ball hit his pads, prompting the umpire, Chris Gaffaney, to change his decision. After this, boos erupted throughout the Oval stadium, aimed at the Australian players, as many of them had already reached the boundary line and were forced to sprint back into their positions, albeit with a sheepish smile on their faces.
Watch the video here.
India added two more runs to their total following the incident, both from Mohammed Shami, before the batter was eventually caught behind by Alex Carey.
Australia took a huge 173-run lead in the first innings, but India avoided a follow-on thanks to Rahane and Shardul’s heroics in the first session of the day.
