Australia all-rounder Cameron Green’s catch to dismiss India opener Shubman Gill on Day 4 of the ICC World Test Championship final at The Oval sparked a huge debate.
Pacer Scott Boland found Gill's outside edge, with Green going low to his left to grab the ball during the eighth over of India's second innings.
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 declared Gill out as the Indian opener made his way back to the pavilion for 18.
While the controversial dismissal has divided opinions, Green backed up his claim when asked about the catch by reporters after the close of fourth day’s play.
"At the time I definitely thought I caught it," Green said in a press conference. "I think in the heat of the moment, I thought it was clean and threw it up and obviously showed no sign of any doubt.”
"And then it's left up to the third umpire (Kettleborough) and he agreed."
Cameron Green has impressed one and all with his athletic abilities in the WTC final. He took another sharp catch to dismiss top-scorer Ajinkya Rahane during India's first innings.
"Ever since I've grown up I have put a lot of time and effort into it (catching)," Green said.
"I think growing up I would always try to get myself in first or second slip and I have done that basically my whole junior career.
"I back myself that I can take a few nice catches and I was a bit disappointed the first day dropping that (easy) one, but it's always nice to repay."
Chasing 444 to win, India scored 164/3 at stumps on Day 4, with Virat Kohli (44*) and Ajinkya Rahane (20*) unbeaten in the middle.
While India need 280 more runs, Australia have to take the remaining seven wickets to clinch the WTC title on the fifth and final day.
"It will be crucial (to stay patient) as it was today to kind of keep our nerve... one or two wickets and we’re back on top. We have to definitely be patient," Green concluded.
(With ICC Inputs)
