The opening Test between West Indies and Australia in Barbados has been marred by a string of controversial decisions, with third umpire Adrian Holdstock at the centre of the storm. Over the first two days, five highly debatable DRS calls four of which went against the West Indies have sparked outrage among players.
With the match hanging in the balance after 24 wickets fell across two days, scrutiny has intensified around the role of technology and umpiring consistency in crucial moments.
The first questionable moment came on Day 1 when Australia's Travis Head edged a delivery from Shamar Joseph to the slips. West Indies fielder Shai Hope appeared to take a clean low catch. However, the third umpire ruled it not out, judging that the ball may have touched the ground before being caught. The decision allowed Head to continue his innings, much to the dismay of the hosts.
The controversy escalated on the morning of Day 2. In the very first over, West Indies skipper Roston Chase nudged an in-seaming delivery from Josh Hazlewood towards fine leg and went for a single. Australia reviewed the on-field not-out decision, suspecting an LBW.
UltraEdge showed a spike just before the ball hit the bat, suggesting possible pad contact. Yet, the third umpire stuck with the not-out verdict, concluding the bat had been struck first. A visibly frustrated Pat Cummins and Hazlewood were seen questioning the on-field umpires for clarification.
Shortly after, Chase was again involved in another debatable moment. This time, he was adjudged LBW to a delivery from Cummins that struck him on the knee roll. Convinced he'd gotten an inside edge, Chase opted for a review. Though bat and pad were very close, UltraEdge did not display a definitive spike. The benefit of doubt, however, was not given, and the on-field decision stood.
Later in the afternoon, yet another incident stirred debate. Shai Hope edged a ball behind to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who dived forward and claimed a low catch. The on-field umpires were uncertain and referred the decision upstairs. Slow-motion replays indicated that the ball might have touched the turf during Carey’s attempt. Despite visible doubt, the third umpire ruled it a clean catch, leading to Hope’s dismissal and further frustration for the Caribbean side.
How is West Indies vs Australia match standed?
At stumps on Day 2, Australia were 92 for 4 in their second innings, leading the West Indies by 80 runs. Travis Head and Beau Webster remained unbeaten on 13 and 19 respectively, as both sides prepared for a tense third day in what has already become a fiery and contentious contest.
