The first day of the India vs England Test (IND vs ENG 1st Test) saw drama not just on the field, but in the replay room as well. Joe Root, England’s batting stalwart, found himself at the center of a controversial DRS call that left the Indian camp fuming and raising questions about the technology’s effectiveness.
Coming in at number 4 after a quick Ollie Pope dismissal, Root attempted a daring lap sweep against Ravindra Jadeja. He lost his balance as the ball struck his pad, and the ensuing roar from the Indian fielders demanding LBW echoed through the Hyderabad stadium. But umpire Marais Erasmus remained unmoved, prompting skipper Rohit Sharma to take the review.
What unfolded on the big screen left everyone perplexed. UltraEdge revealed faint audio spikes, a potential indication of bat hitting ball. However, replays showed a clear gap between bat and ball at the point of those “murmurs.” Despite this glaring evidence, Erasmus inexplicably upheld the on-field call, handing Root a reprieve at a crucial juncture.
The Indian players were irate. They had burned a valuable review on a seemingly straightforward decision, only to be denied by what appeared to be a technological glitch or a hasty judgment call. The momentum, which had swung towards India after Pope’s wicket, suddenly shifted back in England’s favor.
‘Lucky’: Ravi Shastri on Joe Root
Later Ravi Shastri in commentary box called Joe Root as ‘lucky’ and asserted that batter got benefit of doubt from the 3rd umpire.
As lunch approached, England stood at a comfortable 102/3, with Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow steadying the ship. While the scoreboard might paint a picture of equilibrium, the incident undoubtedly left a sour taste in the mouths of Indian fans and players alike.
One thing is certain: the controversy surrounding Joe Root survival has ignited the fire in the India-England rivalry, promising a compelling battle for the remaining days of the Test.
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