Team India found itself embroiled in yet another controversy regarding the decision review system (DRS) during the second test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. The incident unfolded in Australia’s first innings on Day 2, sparking intense debate over the third umpire’s decision-making process. Third umpire Richard Kettleborough ruled in favor of Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, despite replays suggesting the ball might have struck the pad before the bat.
Australia resumed Day 2 on 86/1 and quickly lost Nathan McSweeney, who managed just one additional run before departing. By the first session’s conclusion, Australia had reached 191/4 in 59 overs, taking a narrow but significant 11-run lead.
The controversial moment occurred during the 58th over when Ravichandran Ashwin’s delivery prompted skipper Rohit Sharma to use DRS for a potential LBW dismissal of Marsh. The on-field umpire’s not-out decision was sent upstairs, but what followed left the Indian players visibly frustrated. The third umpire reviewed the footage but ruled Marsh not out, stating there was “no conclusive evidence” to overturn the original decision.
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The Hawk-Eye tracking system, however, showed two reds, indicating the ball would have hit the stumps had it struck the pad first. The verdict cost India their second review of the innings.
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
No conclusive evidence says the TV umpire. Virat and Ashwin unhappy. In Perth, KL Rahul was given out without any conclusive evidence. pic.twitter.com/9BDAtz3OTh
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) December 7, 2024
This contentious decision reignited discussions about the reliability and consistency of the DRS, especially in high-stakes matches. India’s players, as well as fans, were left questioning the protocols followed during such reviews.
Meanwhile, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate defended the team’s decision to include Ravichandran Ashwin over Washington Sundar in this match. “Washy has done everything right since joining the team during the New Zealand series,” he said. “But given the conditions, we believed Ashwin had a better chance of taking wickets. His experience and skill set were crucial on this pitch.”
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Doeschate emphasized that the choice wasn’t a reflection on Sundar’s abilities but a strategic call. “With Nitish showing confidence at No. 7, having Ashwin at No. 8 strengthens our depth. It was a tough choice, but we felt Ashwin’s spin would be slightly more effective in these conditions,” he explained.
The third umpire ought to have taken more time, asked for more angles and frames on Mitchell Marsh DRS. Trifle unlucky Ashwin/India there. #INDvsAUS
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) December 7, 2024
So they found conclusive evidence to turn around KL Rahul’s decision, but nothing in the case of Mitchell Marsh !!
India will never find it fair in Australia !!! #SteveSmith #Siraj #JaspritBumrah #INDvsAUS #INDvAUS #AUSvIND #AUSvsIND #nitishkumarreddy pic.twitter.com/VSMmnmUjji
— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) December 7, 2024
Mitchell Marsh was lbw on Ashwin’s ball, but the umpire did not give him out, The ball first hit the Pad & Then hit the bat 3rd given not out what is the meaning of technology in cricket when you do not give the right decision?#AUSvIND #TeamIndia #Pushpa2TheRule pic.twitter.com/Qvwzm3ETdv
— paritoshtechnical.techno (@paritoshtechni1) December 7, 2024
They found conclusive evidence to turn around KL Rahul’s decision,
but nothing in the case of Mitchell Marsh??? 🤬#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/Rl2rZ5KQf2— ` (@krish_hu_yaar) December 7, 2024
This is pathetic by Richard Kettleborough. He was unsure of bat first or pad first but gave not out based on Snicko. Mitchell Marsh was safe as impact was umpires call but India would have kept the crucial review. #INDvAUS #INDvsAUS #indvsausTestseriespic.twitter.com/CZU8dpWSXy
— Ganesh (@me_ganesh14) December 7, 2024
The third Umpire said, “No conclusive evidence whether it’s a bat or pad first”
He came down the track but didn’t even go for ball-tracking.
Richard Kettleborough 👏👏Even commentators said, “It’s clearly the pad first” 🥲
Mitchell Marsh stays and India lost a review!… pic.twitter.com/jeo0n2tAkF
— Omkar (@StockyMind) December 7, 2024
1st Pic – Kl Rahul was given out in 1st test even after having inconclusive evidence.
2nd Pic – Mitchell Marsh was given not out because of inconclusive evidence.
What is this hypocrisy @FoxCricket .#AUSvIND #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/rTJ8jqhvPd
— -𝚉𝙰𝙳𝙾𝙽 🇮🇳 (@_zadon_) December 7, 2024
Look what we have here. BCCI has been bodied by CA. Mitchell marsh survies 😋 pic.twitter.com/Rts9rtxXUx
— Sandeep Raj (@loyal_CSKfan) December 7, 2024
In 1st match KL Rahul was given out, while today Mitchell Marsh was given not out on the same basis. 3rd Umpire being a clown. Australian’s hypocrisy 🤡🤡#INDvsAUS #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/8PciC7QZpm
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) December 7, 2024
