New Delhi: India A players were left stunned on Day 2 of the 2nd unofficial Test between India A and Australia as an umpiring howler courted a massive controversy in the ongoing match.
Off-spinner Tanush Kotian was left in disbelief after the on-field umpire refused to raise his finger following a clear-cut dismissal of Marcus Harris.
The Australia A opener was caught at first slip after what looked like a genuine edge but umpire Mike Graham-Smith remained unmoved. The Indian players started celebrating the dismissal but, much to the shock of the visitors, neither the batter nor the umpire moved an inch.
Harris was outfoxed by Kotian with a delivery that drifted into the left-hander before spinning away sharply. The ball took a huge edge and flew to the fielder at first slip who took a clean catch.
“Edge and he’s out. No he’s not! The Indians cannot believe it. Umpire Mike Graham-Smith is unmoved. To the naked eye, it looked like a genuine edge. Harris stood his ground,” the commentator said on air.
India A bowlers show fight despite controversy
Harris was batting on 48 when the umpiring howler gave him a lifeline. He went on to complete his half-century before being dismissed by Prasidh Krishna on 74.
The not-out controversy follows the ball-tampering allegations in the first unofficial Test between the two sides. During the first game, the on-field umpire claimed that the India A players tampered with the condition of the ball but the charges were later dropped.
Meanwhile, India A bowlers produced a stellar show to dismiss the hosts for 223 and kept their team in the match. Despite Australia’s A lead of 62, India A, who scored 161 in the first innings, remained in the fight.
Prasidh Krishna, was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors, with superb figures of 4/50 while Mukesh Kumar chipped in with three wickets.
IND A vs AUS A: Marcus Harris was outfoxed by Tanush Kotian with a delivery that drifted into the left-hander before spinning away sharply. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
