A surprised Kohli was involved in serious discussions with the umpire after they sent the decision upstairs without a DRS call from Kane Williamson.
The World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand put focus on the umpires when they sent a caught-behind appeal by New Zealand to the third umpire despite no DRS call by the New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson.
Team India skipper Virat Kohli expressed his disappointment after the on-field umpires Michael Gough and Richard Illingworth consulted each other and decided to send the caught-behind appealed by Trent Boult. While Williamson didn't go for the review after multiple requests by his pacer, the umpire decided to send on their own and the soft signal was out.
The incident took place on the last ball of the 40th over as the ball went past Kohli pretty close to his bat into the gloves of wicketkeeper BJ Watling. As the 15-second timer ran out, the umpires went upstairs nevertheless. However, not just checking the clean catch, the umpires also checked that if the ball hit the bat or not, which doesn't really take place in a normal umpire review as they only check if the ball has been taken cleanly and ensure that it's not a bump ball.
But since it wasn't a DRS call, it confused everyone from Kohli to the fans to the viewers. After which he was seen interacting with the umpires to clear the air as to what really happened by fortunately for him, there was a big gap between the bat and the ball and he was safe.
But the question arises was the third umpire correct in checking with the UltraEdge?
Law 2.2 of the ICC Test Playing Conditions deals with Caught Decisions and Obstructing the Field. Law 2.2.3 further states:
“The third umpire shall determine whether the batsman has been caught, whether the delivery was a Bump Ball, or if the batsman obstructed the field. However, in reviewing the television replay(s), the third umpire shall first check the fairness of the delivery for all decisions involving a catch (all modes of No ball except for (i) in respect of the front foot, which shall already have been checked in accordance with clause 21.5; and (ii) the bowler using an Illegal Bowling Action, subject to the proviso that the third umpire may review whether the bowler has used a prohibited Specific Variation under Article 6.2 of the Illegal Bowling Regulations) and whether the batsman has hit the ball.
If the delivery was not a fair delivery or if it is clear to the third umpire that the batsman did not hit the ball he/she shall indicate to the bowler’s end umpire that the batsman is Not out caught, and in the case of an unfair delivery, advise the bowler’s end umpire to signal No ball. See also paragraph 2.6 below. Additionally, if it is clear to the third umpire that the batsman is Out by another mode of dismissal (excluding LBW), or Not out by any mode of dismissal (excluding LBW), he/she shall notify the bowler’s end umpire so that the correct decision can be made.”
That means that the TV umpire was correct in checking the UltraEdge.
The incident was followed by confused and surprising reactions from former cricketer Virender Sehwag and fans.
Here are some of the reactions:
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