Hyderabad, The first Test match between India and England in Hyderabad witnessed a gripping start filled with excitement and a fair share of controversy. England openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, made notable contributions, taking on India’s pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj with determination.
The Turning Point
As the match unfolded, it was the introduction of spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja by India captain Rohit Sharma that altered the game’s dynamics. In the 12th over, Ashwin dismissed Duckett, who unsuccessfully reviewed the decision, resulting in his departure for 35 runs off 39 balls. Shortly after, Jadeja claimed the wicket of Oille Pope, and England found themselves at 58/2 from an initial 55 for no loss.
The Joe Root DRS Controversy
The pivotal moment occurred when, after Pope’s dismissal, Joe Root attempted a paddle sweep off Jadeja. A subsequent review unfolded into a prolonged saga. The ball-tracking took an eternity, revealing an ultra edge spike, causing confusion and discussions on and off the field. The spike appeared even before the ball reached Root’s bat, leading to debates on its legitimacy. Despite inconclusive evidence, third umpire Marais Erasmus ruled in favor of Root, altering the on-field umpire’s decision to not out.
Commentary Reactions
Former India coach Ravi Shastri expressed his belief that Root was fortunate to escape, stating, “I think he got away with one. The spike came even before the ball reached his bat.” On the other hand, former England captain Kevin Pietersen deemed the evidence “inconclusive.”
The Aftermath
Despite the DRS drama, England managed to stabilize their position with Root and Jonny Bairstow forming a crucial partnership. Root remained unbeaten at 18, and Bairstow accelerated to 32 off 44 balls. The Lunch session concluded with England at 108/3.
The controversy surrounding Joe Root’s DRS decision adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing Test match, keeping fans and cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for further updates on this captivating encounter between India and England.
