England skipper Joe Root and head coach Chris Silverwood sought umpiring “consistency” within the ongoing day-night Test in opposition to India by taking on the matter with match referee Javagal Srinath, “who said that the captain was asking the right questions” of the on-field officers.
England have been sad with two choices made by third umpire C Shamshuddin on the opening day of the match on Wednesday. While India opener Shubman Gill survived a low slip catch attraction by Ben Stokes within the second over, Rohit Sharma’s shut stumping attraction by Ben Foakes was turned down late within the day.
“The England captain and head coach spoke with the match referee after play,” an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) spokesperson stated in an announcement.
“The captain and head coach acknowledged the challenges the umpires faced and asked respectfully that in making any decisions there was consistency in the process. The match referee said the captain was asking the right questions of the umpires.”
While Gill’s dismissal was overturned after taking a look at a number of angles, the third umpire didn’t take a lot time to declare Rohit not out.
After Rohit was let off, Root was heard saying “we just want consistency” to on-field umpire Nitin Menon.
While the ball appeared to have touched the bottom whereas Stokes tried the catch off Gill, the second choice was an in depth one as Sharma’s foot appeared to be within the air very near the time when the bails have been dislodged.
England opener Zak Crawley, who top-scored with a 84-ball 53, made the crew’s frustration clear within the post-play press convention.
“When we batted, Jack had one where it didn’t quite carry and it seemed like they looked at it from five or six different angles. When we were fielding it seemed like they looked at it from one angle. That’s where the frustrations lie,” he added.
“I can’t say whether they were out or not out, but I think the frustrations lie with not checking more thoroughly.”
On the opening day, England have been bowled out for 112 of their first innings earlier than India reached 99 for 3, nonetheless trailing by 13 runs.
