The ongoing fourth Test match between India and England at Ageas Bowl saw some controversy when Ben Stokes trapped Ajinkya Rahane in front of his stumps for 11. The Indian vice-captain chose to take a review as he felt the ball was sliding down leg.
As the process goes in the decision review system (DRS), the third umpire Joel Wilson first checked whether Stokes delivered a fair delivery. The replays seemed to suggest that Stokes had no part of his boot behind the line, with the heel in the air when his foot landed on the ground.
After taking his time watching the replays, Wilson deemed it to be a fair delivery despite the clear doubt. Hawkeye showed all three reds and Rahane had no choice but to walk back to the dressing room with the match in the balance as India had just lost the wicket of their captain, Virat Kohli, who has been prolific for the visitors in the series.
Twitter users were not impressed by what they saw and expressed their shock and outrage at the decision of Joel Wilson. Harsha Bhogle, who is also part of the commentary team for the Indian broadcaster, suggested Stokes was lucky and it was a brave call by the third umpire.
Was a brave umpiring call that......Stokes might be a bit lucky here. The benefit of doubt goes to the bowler but technology is there to take the doubt out of the review.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 31, 2018
Here are some other tweets after Rahane's dismissal:
Third Umpire have just avoided a face off with Stokes. #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/utKG5xLrbQ
— Tabrez (@its_tabrez_) August 31, 2018
Field umpire had already missed couple of no balls bowled by stokes, now the third umpire too and Naseer with all his life’s experience explanations to defend that decision.
— Monica (@monicas004) August 31, 2018
Tf IT WAS A NO BALL. #EngvInd
Can India review that no-ball call with the fourth umpire?
— Sidvee (@sidvee) August 31, 2018
Well, with Replays if you say that as a 'fair delivery!', then i would say, why should we use technology. This is just a classic example of not using Technology to give a 'fair decision'. It's time ICC make Umpires accountable #EngvInd
— Prabhu ???? (@Cricprabhu) August 31, 2018
Not the first time Ben Stokes has been caught out by a video replay!!! pic.twitter.com/MzANh2gjzJ
— Radio Cricket (@RadioCricket) August 31, 2018
On 8th viewing I think that was just legit...however... #engvind
— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) August 31, 2018
This was not given as a no-ball after watching it on replays, umpire colour blind.#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/uCsHMj9xsT
— cricket freak (@cricloverakku) August 31, 2018
Inch-perfect no-ball... errr. #EngvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) August 31, 2018
That is a no ball, no way a fair delivery
— Nikhil ???? (@CricCrazyNIKS) August 31, 2018