NEW DELHI: Not one, not two, but three controversial third-umpire decisions became major talking points during the first Test between West Indies and Australia at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. West Indies gained the upper hand on Day 2, with Australia at 92/4 in their second innings, leading by just 82 runs. The match has been punctuated by several contentious calls from third umpire Adrian Holdstock, impacting both sides over the two days.Australia were dismissed for 180 in their first innings, with West Indies replying with 190. The contest remains delicately poised, with Travis Head and Beau Webster currently at the crease for the visitors.The string of controversies began on Day 1 when Travis Head was ruled not out, despite replays suggesting the ball had carried cleanly to the wicketkeeper off Shamar Joseph’s bowling. The third umpire, however, said there was not enough evidence to confirm a clean catch.Another questionable moment came in the first over of Day 2, when Roston Chase survived an LBW appeal off Josh Hazlewood. Despite a clear spike appearing before the ball hit the bat, the third umpire gave the benefit of doubt to Chase.Chase went on to score 44 before falling to another contentious decision. He was adjudged LBW to Pat Cummins, and although he reviewed the decision citing a visible deviation near the bat, the original verdict was upheld.“I disagree with the decision, I disagree with the technology, I thought he hit that but somehow, it’s worked against Roston Chase,” commented Ian Bishop during commentary.“I feel sorry for the officiating team there, in my view that should clearly have been not out. I apologise to the officials, but I’m in total disagreement, as he [Chase] is in bewilderment. You see a deflection, a change of direction of the ball as it approaches the bat. If you’ve watched the game for long enough, you can see it. If you’re new to the game, maybe you don’t notice it.”The controversy didn’t stop there. Shai Hope was given out caught behind by Alex Carey, even though replays appeared to show the ball may have touched the ground during the catch.Australia now face the task of building a solid partnership on Day 3 to wrest back control of the match.
