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.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
In India "cheat" is a cove-all word. Basically it means it didn't go their way.
AJ73
Roar Rookie
As mentioned by others, Green was in control of the ball, and his body, before his hand hit the ground meaning it is out. Just because the ball touched the ground under this definition doesn't mean it is not out. Think about it - if the grass is longer at one venue to another (even longer in some parts of the same venue), this would change if it is a catch our not. So it is not out at the GABBA, but out at the MCG as an example.
EastsFootyFan
Roar Guru
I really can't understand anyone calling Green a "cheat" here... you can disagree with the umpire if you like, but he has every right to claim that catch. It always looked like he had control and you have to be pretty petty to scream "cheat" when the footage shows fingers under the ball.
bowledover
Roar Rookie
The rules are clear... he needs to be in control of it and he was, it didnt touch the ground before that point; if it had, the ball would likely have come out. If the proposal is the ball cannot touch the ground at all, regardless of it its under the control of the fielder , thaen the rules need to change... me thinks India have benefitted from these in the past and are just salty now because they lost the match.
Hunters
Roar Rookie
If a fielder genuinely thinks he or she has caught the ball, the player should claim the catch. It would be weak, if you think you've caught the ball, to say, "dunno, you decide." After that it's up to the umpires. Considering all the replays that have people all over the world coming to different conclusions, it was not up to Green to make a snap decision on the field. To say that the cheat tag will follow Green around for a long time, if it does, says a lot about the self-serving immaturity of those making the claim. Having said all that, it would be sportsmanship to rescind the appeal if the not out was obvious.
Donbich
Roar Rookie
That's not true at all. Uncertainty doesn't mean that it goes in the favour of the batsman.
Donbich
Roar Rookie
Thank you all knowing Roar Rookie who clearly has more access to camera angles than the paid professionals who made the correct decision. Wahhhhhhhhh
Donbich
Roar Rookie
LOL an indian getting reprimanded by the ICC... yeah that will happen
Donbich
Roar Rookie
India. England. End of case.
sheek
Roar Guru
Pom in exile, At no stage was I making excuses of Aussie fans, who I know can be as obnoxious as from anywhere else. Already some of the banter between Aussie & Poms is quite pathetic. I only have to see how folk carry on between states (especially state of origin) & clubs. It's quite embarrassing & slowly but surely pushing me away from any social media at all.
jameswm
Roar Guru
What’s “the ground”? Read what Cummins said about Kettleborough having more of an idea.
Pom in exile
Roar Rookie
Okay, without wishing to start something here… you’ve perfectly described Australian cricket fans (not all obviously) as a lot of people find them. Read the boards over the last few days/weeks and theirs been boorishness, cockiness and arrogance, not to mention denigrating the opposition and their fans. That all relates to India and the upcoming Ashes. I’m not sure it’s actually possible for the average Australian cricket fan to talk about the Ashes without denigrating Poms, I think it’s the law in these parts. So in summation, I’d argue that fans from all counties can be boorish and annoying but it helps to check the construction of your own house before lobbing stones over the fence.
mushi
Roar Guru
Read the scoreline.
mushi
Roar Guru
Ponting =/= all
mushi
Roar Guru
They did.
mushi
Roar Guru
I believe there are a lot of thorough explanations of it, and why it was correct from here, India and further a field. He couldn't find an angle that provided sufficient evidence the ball hits the ground. A common Indian complaint was he should have looked longer for the evidence. He uses the footage of the fingers getting under the ball to form a view. Which according to the plethora of articles seems like a systematic approach by ICC umpires. (Blades of grass have never been not out otherwise almost any catch where your hand hits the ground craddling the ball would need to be not out)
sheek
Roar Guru
Pom in exile, Okay, let me try to explain more clearly. The worst/most boorish supporters/fans usually come from the most successful countries. India now rule the cricket world economically & have one of the most successful teams. At home, India are almost unbeatable, taking the preparation of 'home conditions' to new levels of self-interest. Off-field, Indian supporters are now very bullish, trumpeting their team at every opportunity while equally denigrating the opposition at every opportunity. The line-ball catch by Cameron Green is a striking example of this one-sided boorishness. Following in the fine traditions of all powerful countries in society & sport - UK, US, Russia, China, even Australia at various times.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Better than fixing the result for a bookkeeper. Any kiwis guilty of that phantom?
La grandeur d'Athéna
Roar Rookie
If I were you, I wouldn't pay too much attention to our online warrior man-childs. Sportsmanship isn't our people's forte.If they would try to change their fortune nearly as much as hard as they try to prove their point online, this country would have been a heaven by now. Carry on with the game.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
You know what else is in the rules? Umpire thought he was out. End of story.