The first day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Nagpur saw a controversial LBW decision that has sparked questions about the accuracy of the ball-tracking system. Australia’s Usman Khawaja was given not out by on-field umpire Nitin Menon, but India successfully overturned the decision with a DRS review. The ball-tracking showed that the ball pitched in line and swung enough to hit the leg-stump, with three reds, resulting in Khawaja being out for 1.
Former Australia batter Mark Waugh said he wasn’t sure whether the ball-tracking was correct and that Khawaja might feel unlucky. He said, “I thought it was maybe sliding down leg-stump or, at best, clipping leg-stump. But I think, the Indians thought the same. They took until the last second to take the review. I thought it might have clipping, but the Hawkeye said it was hitting the middle of leg-stump. I am not sure it was. Anyway, that was the first one down, a bit unlucky for Khawaja.”
Khawaja got the rough end of the stick- Ravi Shastri
A section of Australian cricket fans raised questions about the ball-tracking system on social media after the decision. However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri had a different view on the matter. He said, “Yes, it looked as if it would have clipped leg-stump. When you saw it from upstairs, anyone would have said it was clipping leg-stump. But the ball-tracking said it hit the leg stump. India will be very happy with that review. Sometimes, as a batter, you get the rough end of the stick, I think Khawaja got one there.”
Here’s Usman Khawaja’s dismissal:
Team India gets both the Australia openers. Mohammad Siraj gets Usman Khawaja and Mohammad Shami gets David Warner. India bowlers on fire & listening Ravi Shastri's commentary with so much energy gives goosebumps ?pic.twitter.com/EfoXOmPXqp
— ????????????????™ ???? (@MSDianMrigu) February 9, 2023
Despite the early setback, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship with an 82-run partnership, before Ravindra Jadeja ran riot after lunch and removed Labuschagne for 49 and Matt Renshaw for a first-ball duck.
The controversy surrounding the LBW decision and the accuracy of the ball-tracking system will no doubt continue to be a talking point throughout the series. Nevertheless, it remains a crucial tool for umpires to make more informed decisions and improve the fairness of the game.
At the end of Day 1, India is playing at 77/1 in reply to Australia’s 177 in the first inning. Rohit Sharma is batting at 56 whereas Ravichandran Ashwin (0) is playing his role as a night-watchman.
