India A’s Appeal Denied in Controversial Catch Decision
India A’s hopes of leveling the unofficial Test series against Australia A were dealt a blow on the second day of the second match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A contentious catch decision involving Australia A opener Marcus Harris left the Indian players and fans in disbelief.
During the 22nd over of Australia A’s innings, spinner Tanush Kotian delivered a delivery that drifted into Harris before spinning away. The ball appeared to clip the edge of Harris’ bat and flew to the fielder at first slip, who claimed the catch cleanly.
However, to the astonishment of the India A players, on-field umpire Mike Graham-Smith ruled Harris not out. The Indian players, including Kotian, were adamant that Harris had edged the ball, but their appeals were met with indifference.
Harris, who was batting on 48 at the time, survived the appeal and went on to complete his half-century before being caught behind off Prasidh Krishna on 74. The incident sparked a heated exchange between the India A players and the umpire, with the Indians gesticulating and expressing their frustration.
Harris, on the other hand, indicated that the sound had come from his bat clipping his pad. The commentators on air also expressed their disbelief, stating that it appeared to be a clear edge.
The controversial decision has cast a shadow over the second unofficial Test, which is seen as an audition for players from both teams to earn a spot in the senior sides for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The first unofficial Test was won by Australia A by seven wickets, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.
The second match began on Thursday with Australia A opting to bowl and dismissing India A for 161. In reply, the hosts took a 62-run lead after being bowled out for 223. The match is set to resume on Saturday, with India A needing to find a way to break through Australia A’s batting lineup and level the series.
