Shubman Gill’s dismissal created quite a stir on social media on Day 4 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 Final between India and Australia at The Oval.
Chasing 444 to win in the fourth innings, India got off to a positive start as Rohit Sharma and Gill played some glorious strokes to take the team to 41/0 after 7 overs.
However, Shubman was given out in a controversial manner at the stroke of Tea. Australian pacer Scott Boland bowled a good length delivery outside off and Gill came forward to defend it but the ball bounced a touch extra to take the bat shoulder.
Cameron Green, who was stationed at gully, showed sharp reflexes as he went low to his left to pluck the ball. However, there were doubts whether his fingers were underneath the ball and, thus, the on-field umpire went upstairs to check for a clean catch.
After watching the replay from different angles, TV umpire Richard Kettleborough declared Gill out and the Indian opener made his way back to the pavilion for 18.
Kettleborough’s decision became the talk of the town and cricket experts felt that Shubman Gill was hard done by the third umpire.
Talking to Twitter, Indian batting legend Virender Sehwag posted a picture of a blindfolded person with the caption, “Third umpire while making that decision of Shubman Gill. Inconclusive evidence. When in doubt, it’s Not Out #WTC23Final.”
Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted: “It was a great effort from Cameron Green but it is the moment immediately after the catch is taken, when the hand turns, that must cause Shubman Gill to be very disappointed.”
Here are the other reactions:
