Mitchell Marsh Survives Controversial LBW Call Against India
On Day 2 of the second Test at Adelaide Oval, a bad umpire’s call saved Australian batter Mitchell Marsh from an LBW. It was a tense moment. The incident occurred in the 58th over of Australia’s first innings. Marsh had yet to score when he faced a clever delivery from Ravichandran Ashwin.
Ashwin, India’s veteran off-spinner, bowled a full-length ball. It struck Marsh’s front pad. The Indian players confidently appealed. The umpire ruled Marsh not out, despite their appeal. He heard two possible noises during it. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, confident in his team, called for a DRS review.
Umpire’s Call Frustrates India After DRS Review
Replays suggested the ball likely hit Marsh’s pad before the bat. However, the TV umpire upheld the on-field decision. The evidence was inconclusive to overturn the call. The “umpire’s call” on impact decided the case. So, Marsh was not out. This forced India to lose a valuable review.
If the on-field umpire had given Marsh out, the decision would have stood. This shows the fine margins in cricket’s Decision Review System (DRS). This tense moment heightened the drama of a tight Test. It left Indian players frustrated.
Bat or pad first? Hard to say – sticking with the umpire’s call #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/UqsoPvEruJ
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2024
Travis Head’s Fifty Leads Australia to First-Innings Advantage
The Marsh decision stole early headlines. But, Travis Head’s great performance turned the tide in Australia’s favor. The left-handed batter scored a quick fifty. It stabilized Australia’s innings after two quick dismissals.
Australia started the day on 86/1. But, the Indian bowlers struck early. They dismissed Nathan McSweeney and Steve Smith in quick succession. However, Head counterattacked, scoring at an impressive strike rate and keeping the Indian bowlers at bay. By tea on Day 2, Australia was 191/4. They had a first-innings lead and were in a strong position.
Key Moments in the Match So Far
Mitchell Marsh LBW Controversy: A contentious umpiring decision saved Marsh from a duck. It upheld the on-field “not out” call.
India Loses a DRS Review: Skipper Rohit Sharma’s quick referral of the Marsh incident cost India a review.
Travis Head’s Impact: His fifty came at a crucial time. It ensured Australia stayed ahead despite losing two wickets early on Day 2.
