The opening Test between the West Indies and Australia at Barbados’s Kensington Oval has seen a series of controversial third‑umpire verdicts, leaving the players and fans in disbelief.
While both sides have felt the sting, it’s the home side that has borne the brunt. From contentious catches to LBW outcomes that defy logic, these decisions have cast a shadow over what has been a tight contest so far.
Despite Australia’s spirited bowling effort, the West Indies managed to take a 10-run lead in the first innings. At stumps on Day 2, Australia’s score reads 92/4 with their top four back in the hut. Beau Webster and Travis Head ended unbeaten at 19 and 13 runs respectively.
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West Indies Left Fuming Over Umpiring Calls
On the first day, Shamar Joseph induced a thick edge from Head that flew to Shai Hope’s gloves behind the stumps. Hope was convinced he had completed the catch but upon review, third umpire Adrian Holdstock ruled "not out," citing insufficient clarity about whether the ball was cleanly held.
The very next morning, Josh Hazlewood trapped Roston Chase lbw but replays showed a spike. Australia’s appeal stalled when Holdstock upheld the on-field "not out" call.
Chase faced yet another lbw call, this time from Pat Cummins. He reviewed immediately, hoping for reprieve from a potential inside edge. UltraEdge seemed silent, but a slight deviation was visible. Holdstock ruled there was a clear gap between bat and ball, confirming the umpire’s decision and ending Chase’s stay at the crease.
Shai Hope looked set to reach a half-century but was dismissed by Webster with Alex Carey taking a catch, seemingly clean. Yet, upon review, the replay revealed the ball brushed ground before Carey caught it. Again, Holdstock sided with the original decision, stoking more West Indian fury.
Cameron Green survived an lbw shout. As the West Indies took a review, replay suggested bat‑pad contact before impact, though nothing conclusive showed up on. The on-field decision of "not out" stayed, with third umpire deciding there was not enough evidence to overturn it.
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Ian Bishop Slams Third Umpire’s Call
Four of these five decisions went against the West Indies. As the frustration piled, former West Indies fast bowler and respected broadcaster Ian Bishop did not hold back. Speaking during the live coverage, Bishop expressed his dismay at the third umpire’s handling of Chase’s dismissal, which many believed involved an inside edge.
"I disagree with the technology. I disagree with the third umpire. If you have watched cricket for long enough, you would know when there’s a clear deviation," Bishop said bluntly.
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