KL Rahul Survives Umpire’s Blunder Due to Scott Boland No-Ball
KL Rahul narrowly avoided dismissal in the second Test. A no-ball from Scott Boland overturned an incorrect on-field decision.
Indian opener KL Rahul faced a dramatic moment early in his innings. He was incorrectly given out by the on-field umpire on the first delivery of Scott Boland’s spell. However, the decision was overturned. The Australian pacer had over-stepped, so it was a no-ball.
The right-handed batter had started walking back to the dressing room. But, the third umpire confirmed the overstep, so he stopped. Replays showed no spike on the Snickometer. So, the umpire’s decision was a clear error.
No Spike on Snickometer Raises Eyebrows
The incident unfolded when Rahul, after 18 balls, was out caught behind. He didn’t consult his batting partner, Shubman Gill, at the other end. He had no doubts about the dismissal. However, technology revealed that the ball had not made contact with Rahul’s bat.
This surprising error highlights our reliance on third-umpire reviews in modern cricket, especially in high-stakes matches.
Boland’s Overstep Saves India’s Opener
Scott Boland’s no-ball proved to be a lifeline for KL Rahul, who was clearly under pressure early in his innings. The incident shows the need for precision in a bowler’s delivery stride. Even minor overstepping can change a match’s outcome.
For Indian fans, it was a relief. But, it raised questions about the accuracy of on-field umpiring, despite advanced technology.
Key Stats from the Match
- KL Rahul: Yet to score when the incident occurred.
- Scott Boland: Overstepped on his first delivery of the spell.
- Decision: Overturned due to no-ball, aided by third umpire intervention.
It added drama to the second Test. It reminded everyone of cricket’s unpredictability.
