ENG v IND 2021: "It was a fair decision, but his disappointment understandable," says Laxman on Rahul's dismissal

KL Rahul was given out caught behind after England took a DRS in the second innings.

KL Rahul | GETTY

India batsman KL Rahul got off to a good start in the second innings of The Oval Test, but he couldn't convert it to a big innings like his opening partner Rohit Sharma. He was out caught behind on 46 runs by James Anderson on Day 3.

Rahul was given not-out by the on-field umpire after a loud appeal, but the replay after England took DRS showed that there was some contact between bat and ball. However, the India opener was disappointed with the decision and looked unhappy.

Speaking at ESPNCricinfo's Match Point, former India cricketer VVS Laxman shared his opinion on the dismissal of Rahul. When was asked if he agreed with the 3rd umpire's decision, Laxman said it was a fair decision.

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"Yeah, I thought it was out! Because when the contact between bat and ball happened, I thought the bat was well ahead of the pad. There was enough gap between bat and pad so I thought when the snicko came up, it was clear that the impact was between bat and ball. So, I think that was a fair decision," he said.

Although Laxman did understand the reaction from Rahul as he felt the bat had also brushed the back pad. "There was a genuine reason for him to have that doubt because while the bat was coming down, it brushed the back pad, that's the reason why I felt KL Rahul was in doubt. Probably once he goes into the dressing room and sees the replay, he will accept the decision," he added.

The Indian openers, Rahul and Rohit gave India a good start in the second innings of the fourth Test. They added 83 runs in the opening stand and Rohit went on to score 127 runs.

Rahul looked good as well before nicking one behind to the wicket-keeper. He was praised by Laxman for his important knock at a critical stage in the match. 

"He was batting well. He would have been disappointed not to have converted the start into a three-figure score and that's probably the reason why he reacted in that fashion," Laxman said. 

(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)

 
 

By - 05 Sep, 2021

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