Australia’s emphatic 184-run victory in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday was overshadowed by controversy surrounding the dismissal of India’s opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. This contentious moment, widely debated among players, commentators, and fans, proved pivotal in Australia taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.

Yashavi Jaiswal’s dismissal sparks debate over controversial decision

The incident occurred when Jaiswal, who was India’s top scorer with a resilient 84 in the second innings, was adjudged caught behind off the glove. However, opinions on the dismissal remain divided. The ‘Snickometer’ showed no fluctuation, casting doubt on the validity of the decision. Adding to the drama, third umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat from Bangladesh chose to uphold the on-field umpire’s decision, citing a visible deflection despite inconclusive evidence from the technology.

A visibly upset Jaiswal confronted the on-field umpires before reluctantly walking back to the pavilion. His batting partner at the time, Washington Sundar, also engaged in a lengthy discussion with the officials, further highlighting the contentious nature of the decision. The decision ultimately sealed their fate in the match.

Contrasting views from Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting

The incident drew contrasting reactions from former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar and ex-Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.

Gavaskar, speaking during Hindi commentary, strongly reliance on eye-based decisions, stressing the need for technology to avoid optical illusions and improve accuracy, especially when analyzing late swing. He attributed the apparent deflection to late swing, which he suggested could create an optical illusion, and insisted that the benefit of the doubt should have gone to the batter

“This can never be given out. If there is technology, one should use it. You cannot make a decision based on what you see and ignore the technology. There could be an optical illusion and we have seen it many times. The ball that they are showing, which swung after passing the batter and going into the keeper’s gloves, could be because of late swing,” Gavaskar said.

Ponting, on the other hand, was adamant that the correct decision was made. He noted Jaiswal walked off as soon as the decision was reviewed, even though Snicko didn’t confirm the deflection. Ponting insisted there’s no room for debate as the umpire’s call on the glove deflection was clear.

“They can make of it what they like,” Ponting said while doing commentary. “That clearly hit the glove…Jaiswal actually started to walk as soon as the Aussies went upstairs. He started to take a couple of steps away. Snicko hasn’t proven it to be correct, but the umpire picked up the deflection, froze it where the ball was at the end of the glove. As far as I am concerned, there is no argument whatsoever,” Ponting asserted during commentary.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Snickometer operator explains the absence of a spike during Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal

India’s collapse under pressure against Australia

Jaiswal’s dismissal marked the beginning of India’s dramatic batting collapse. At 121 for 3, the visitors appeared to have a slim chance of chasing the mammoth target of 340. However, they lost their final seven wickets for just 34 runs, folding for a mere 155 in 79.1 overs. Australia’s relentless bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, capitalized on the pressure, dismantling India’s lower order with ease. Jaiswal’s valiant effort, which included his second half-century of the match after scoring 82 in the first innings, stood out as a lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal performance. The experienced Indian batters, including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, failed to deliver, leaving the team with little hope of staging a comeback.

Australia’s victory means they need only a draw in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground to reclaim the BGT for the first time since 2014. For India, the focus shifts not only to salvaging the series but also to keeping their World Test Championship (WTC) hopes alive amid growing pressure and scrutiny. The fifth Test, beginning on January 3, 2025, is expected to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams looking to leave their mark in what has been an intensely fought series.

Also WATCH: Yashasvi Jaiswal reverses Mitchell Starc’s bail ritual to protect Rishabh Pant’s wicket on Day 5 of the MCG Test

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