‘The way Sourav, Rahul were out was in poor taste’: VVS Laxman remembers umpiring ‘blunders’ throughout 2008 Sydney Test

As the Ajinkya Rahane-led Indian crew prepare for the third Test towards Australia in Sydney, former India batsman VVS Laxman recalled the 2008 Sydney Test. The notorious encounter between the 2 groups is remembered largely for the controversial monkeygate scandal involving Andrew Symonds and Harbhajan Singh, however Laxman identified the umpiring howlers throughout the recreation that went in favour of the house crew.Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected chat present, Laxman mentioned that India have been in with an opportunity of successful the Sydney Test in 2008.Also Read | Sydney retailer proprietor responds to Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya’s alleged bio-bubble breach“I wouldn’t call it the Aussie arrogance. But I just feel after losing the Melbourne Test we had a great chance of winning the Sydney Test match. Yes, it will be remembered more for the Monkeygate but I thought we had a great chance of winning that Test match,” Laxman mentioned.“The bowlers, especially when we started bowling in the first innings took early wickets. Australia were under pressure and then Andrew Symonds, I think he was out two or three times and the umpires made huge blunders. I cannot ever forget the way I think RP Singh got the nick of Symonds,” added Laxman.“There was a big sound but the umpire ruled not out. Unfortunately, that led to Andrew Symonds getting a big hundred and after that what followed, especially on the last day, the way Sourav and Rahul were out I think was in very poor taste,” he added.Also Read | India vs Australia: Who will make Sydney grade?Speaking on the monkeygate scandal, Laxman mentioned that it was blown out of proportion.“The Monkeygate issue was blown out of proportion. At one time we thought we will call off the series,” Laxman mentioned.“Anil as the captain acted like a diplomat. I think the BCCI ultimately made the right decision and we continued with the series,” Laxman signed off.