India opener Shubman Gill's dismissal to a Cameron Green catch in the fourth innings of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 Final sparked a massive debate on Saturday (June 10).
In the final over before Tea break, Gill edged the first delivery against Scott Boland and Green, who was stationed at gully, went low to his left to grab the ball. However, there were doubts whether his fingers were underneath the ball and the on-field umpires went upstairs to check for a clean catch.
After watching the replay from different angles, TV umpire Richard Kettleborough adjudged Gill out as the Indian opener made his way back to the pavilion for 18.
Kettleborough’s decision created quite a stir on social media, with many experts opining that Shubman was hard done by the third umpire.
Sharing his two cents on the catch, Australian legend Ricky Ponting said that the correct decision was probably made.
“When I saw it live, I knew it had carried to him on the full, but I wasn’t sure what the action was after that from all replays we have seen," Ponting told the ICC.
"I actually think some part of the ball did touch the ground and it is the interpretation of the umpire that as long as the fielder has complete control of the ball before the ball hits the ground then it is out.
"That must have been what the umpires’ interpretation was and I think that is exactly what happened.
"It carried probably six or eight inches off the ground then there was another action after that," he added.
Ponting expects the catch to be widely discussed after the WTC final, which will continue to divide opinions.
"There will be a lot of talk about it I am sure and there will probably be more talk in India than in Australia. Everyone in India will think it is not out and everyone in Australia will think it is out."
Recently, ICC abolished the soft signal rule by on-field umpires and Kettleborough made the decision all on his own.
"If it had have been given out on the field then I think the third umpire has to find conclusive evidence to overturn that decision and I don’t think there would have been conclusive evidence," Ponting said.
"The reason I am saying that is, even without the soft signal, the third umpire thought it was out.
"At the end of the day I think the correct decision has probably been made."
Coming to the WTC final, India were 164/3 at the close of play on Day 4 while chasing the target of 444, with Virat Kohli (44*) and Ajinkya Rahane (20*) unbeaten in the middle.
