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Australia’s quest for victory in the World Test Championship final has been marred by controversy, with a Cameron Green catch dividing the cricketing world and leading to fierce debate.
Green appeared to have taken a sensational one-handed catch in the gully to remove Indian opener Shubman Gill for 18 early in their run chase of 444; however, a third umpire check would soon spark controversy.
After analysing a bevy of replays, Richard Kettleborough ruled there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the ball had touched the ground or not, upholding the on-field call of out: the Australians’ joy at the decision quickly drowned out by furious Indian fans filling The Oval stands.
They weren’t the only ones incensed: Gill’s opening partner and Indian captain Rohit Sharma exclaimed ‘No!’ as the decision flashed up on screen, immediately engaging in a heated debate with on-field umpires Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth, while Gill himself made his displeasure abundantly clear on social media shortly after.
Social media soon lit up with debate over the incident; former Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Wasim Jaffer leading those siding with Gill.
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was also unimpressed by the decision, telling the Press Trust of India: “The replay was inconclusive.
“They should have zoomed in on his fingers closely before taking the call. It could cost India dearly in the run chase,” he added.
India’s legion of fans soon flooded social media to join in the fury.
Fans at the ground were vocal, regularly chanting ‘Cheat’ for the rest of the day during Green’s bowling stints, which also proved controversial.
However, not all the reaction was negative: ESPNcricinfo broadcasters and former players Brad Haddin and Sanjay Manjrekar both opined that the catch was fair.
“The frozen image is something that sets the cat among the pigeons… the viewers see the frozen image and see the leather touching the turf,” Manjrekar said.
“In real time, it looked like a pretty brilliant catch, just a nice motion. If you ask me if that was a catch, I’d say, yes, brilliant catch.”
“If you slow it down too much and look at different frames, it can create a lot of doubt,” Haddin added.
“In this case, he had his fingers under the ball and it was a clean catch.”
Australian legend Ricky Ponting agreed, telling India’s Star Sports that the more important factor in the catch was Green’s control over the ball.
“I actually think some part of the ball did touch the ground, and it is the interpretation of the umpire that as long as the fielder has complete control of the ball before the ball hits the ground, then it is out,” Ponting said.
“That must have been what the umpires’ interpretation was and I think that is exactly what happened.”
Another Test great in Justin Langer said the giveaway was Green’s immediate joyful reaction at taking the catch.
“The other thing that I always find interesting is the initial reaction of the fielder. Cameron Green got underneath it and was convinced he had caught it,” Langer said on Channel 7.
“Often if there’s any doubt, you can see it in the body language of the fielder.”
Speaking at the close of play, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey was also adamant that the catch was fair.
“I thought he caught it fair and square,” he said
“It looked good from where I was, and he was really happy with it. I think the right decision was made.”
Green’s catch helped Australia take three of the ten wickets they require for victory, with India needing a further 280 runs on Day 5.
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