India rocked by another DRS scandal in Australia; Virat Kohli-Ashwin demonstrates on the field

The Indian team was rocked by another Decision Review System (DRS) controversy during the second Test against the Australian national cricket team. The third umpire, Richard Kettleborough, regretted the decision in favor of the Australian team, despite evidence suggesting the ball could have hit the mat first.

Australia began day two at 86/1 at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday 7 December. However, she lost the wicket of Nathan McSweeney, who added just one run to her score overnight. They finished the first session of Day 2 with a total of 191/4 in 59 overs, taking a crucial lead of 11 runs.

Watch: India hit by another DRS controversy

The incident occurred on the third ball of the 58th over during Australia's first innings. Ravichandran Ashwin forced skipper Rohit Sharma to take DRS for LBW against Mitchell Marsh. The on-field umpire referred the decision to the third umpire.

The third official did not follow proper protocol and did not allow Marsh out despite evidence that the ball could have hit the mat first. Replays showed that the ball hit the bat first, leaving the Indian cricketers in shock. The decision was ultimately not ruled out and India lost their second innings review.

The official decided there was “no conclusive evidence” to overturn the decision not to go on the field. The Hawk-Eye tracking system showed that the ball would have hit the stumps, showing two reds.

You can watch the clip of the incident below:

Bat or pad first? Hard to say – stick to the referee's decision #AUSVENT pic.twitter.com/UqsoPvEruJ

– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2024

No conclusive proof, says TV adjudicator. Virat and Ashwin unhappy. In Perth, KL Rahul was handed over without any conclusive evidence. pic.twitter.com/9BDAtz3OTh

– Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) December 7, 2024

Ravichandran Ashwin is more likely to take wickets – Ryan Ten Doeschate

Team India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate revealed the reason behind Ravichandran Ashwin's inclusion against Washington Sundar. The Dutchman said Ashwin is more likely to get wickets in these conditions.

“Yeah, Washy hasn't made a mistake since he came into the fold, halfway through that New Zealand series… I guess thinking about the last Test, we wanted to strengthen the batting ” Ryan ten Doeschate said at the post-day press conference.

“And given what we saw from Nitish in the first Test, we kind of thought we would go for what we perceived to be the guys who are bowling the best spin at the moment. And we think Ash is more likely to get wickets in these conditions.

“When you have the confidence of Nitish batting at 7, it doesn't really matter with Ash batting at 8. And that was the thinking. Not much to choose between them. And we just thought that 'Ash would be slightly more effective on this wicket,' he added.

Also read: Watch: Virat Kohli shows Nathan McSweeney his place with aggressive delivery