India and Australia Test matches are always known for their high quality of cricket on offer. The games are not devoid of controversy either, and yet another incident panned out during the opening day of the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG between the two sides. After third umpire Paul Wilson ruled in favour of Aussie skipper Tim Paine and gave him the benefit of doubt for a close run-out call, the cricketing fraternity was divided, with fans and experts alike airing their views.
What really happened: During the 55th over of the Australian innings in the second Test, young player Cameron Green set off for a quick run after pushing the ball towards mid-off. Paine, at the other end, hesitated initially but decided to go for the run as Umesh Yadav’s throw was not the best. Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant failed to collect the ball properly and took time to dislodge the bails, after which the decision was sent upstairs to the third umpire.
The initial replays suggested that the bat was nowhere over the line but once Wilson asked for another angle, replays showed that a very tiny part of the bat could have been over the line, which meant that Paine was safe. The umpire was overheard saying, “There’s no conclusive evidence to show the bat is on the wrong side of the line, so the bat looks like it could have a bit over the line. My decision is not out,” which sparked controversy all around.
Australian legends Brad Hogg and Shane Warne did not agree with the view, with both tweeting that the wrong decision had been made. “Very surprised that Tim Paine survived that run-out review! I had him on his bike & thought there was no part of his bat behind the line! Should have been out in my opinion,” tweeted Warne.
Shane Warne thinks Tim Paine was out!
Your call? #IndiatourofAustralia #CricketAustralia #AUSvsIND #Paine #cricketnews pic.twitter.com/ht13dQwVO1— Cricket News (@cricketnews_com) December 26, 2020
Hogg, on his part, tweeted, “Think India a little unlucky here. No matter what, technology does not alleviate the PAINE for the team on the wrong side of the fence.”
The decision, however, did not prove to be a thorn for the visiting team as they got Piane for 13 off the bowling of Ravi Ashwin. The Indians stole the show on the day as they dismissed Australia for 195, with the duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Ashwin picking up 7 wickets between them.