Australia Test captain Tim Paine survived a controversial run-out decision on the first day of the second Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday.
The incident took place in the 55th over of the Australian innings when there was a big mix-up between young all-rounder Cameron Green and Paine.
After playing the delivery from India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin towards mid-off, Green ran to take a single however, it was the Australian skipper who was struggling to reach the striker's end. A reasonable throw from pacer Umesh Yadav was collected well by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant who uprooted the stumps.
The leg-umpire went upstairs straight away after the Indian fielders appealed for the run-out.
Meanwhile, third umpire Paul Wilson checked several replays and angles before he decided to give the benefit of doubt to the batsman and Paine got away with the controversial run-out decision.
Paine survives by the skin of his teeth!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2020
Live #AUSvIND: https://t.co/qwpaGhOixs pic.twitter.com/ZTOWat2cTn
"There's no conclusive evidence to show the bat is on the wrong side of the line, so the bat looks like it could have a bit over the line. My decision is not out,” Wilson was heard saying during the telecast before 'NOT OUT' was flashed on the big screen at the MCG.
Think India a little unlucky here.
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) December 26, 2020
No matter what technology does not alIeviate the PAINE for the team on the wrong side of the fence. # IndvAus #Cricket pic.twitter.com/kLkvONS86h
India captain Ajinkya Rahane immediately expressed his displeasure with the decision and was spotted having a discussion with the on-field umpire.
Even, Twitter wasn’t pleased with the call of the third umpire. Australia’s legendary spinner Shane Warne was left surprised with Wilson’s decision.
"Very surprised that Tim Paine survived that run out review! I had him on his bike and thought there was no part of his bat behind the line! Should have been out in my opinion," Warne tweeted after the incident.
Very surprised that Tim Paine survived that run out review ! I had him on his bike & thought there was no part of his bat behind the line ! Should have been out in my opinion
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) December 26, 2020
Former Indian cricketers including Aakash Chopra, Wasim Jaffer and Rohan Gavaskar also slammed the controversial decision.
"That was OUT. Jason Holder was right. If players can be in a bio-bubble for soooo long...let umpires should be doing the same. #AusvInd," tweeted former India opener Aakash Chopra.
That was OUT.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 26, 2020
Jason Holder was right. If players can be in a bio-bubble for soooo long....let umpires should be doing the same. #AusvInd
Third umpire watching the replay before pressing Not out.🤦♂️ #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/VUuee69Zfn
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 26, 2020
👀#runout #INDvsAUS #BorderGavaskarTrophy
— Rohan Gavaskar (@rohangava9) December 26, 2020
Several Indian cricket fans accused Wilson of being biased with his call as visuals showed that the bat wasn’t over the line when the bails were dislodged.
#INDvsAUS why do Australians and cheating always synonymous!! According to the rules Paine is out because bat has to cross the line!! But I guess for Aussie blind umpire the rules are different for his countrymen! #shameful
— Bala (@Bmdsuccess) December 26, 2020
Tim paine was clearly out
— Joker जोकर (@saffronjoker) December 26, 2020
What a fraud third umpire
@ICC Idiotic decision by the third umpire. Paine was out. What is point of having technology?
— Sivai (@srikirtan) December 26, 2020
Meanwhile, India have bowled out Australia for a paltry 195 and then ended the day at 36/1, trailing by 159 runs in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21.
Feature image courtesy: William WEST / AFP
