Disappointing Vokes cries foul on third umpire call

England cricket team pacer Chris Woakes wasn’t a happy man after Day 1 of ENG vs IND 2nd Test, for he believed that the team was robbed of wickets by the third umpire. His remarks come after two decisions that were referred to the third umpire went against the hosts on Day 1 of the game at Edgbaston. India finished at 310/5, with Shubman Gill staying unbeaten on 114 runs.

Woakes unhappy with 3rd umpire in ENG vs IND 2nd Test

Speaking to reporters after Day 1 of ENG vs IND 2nd Test, Woakes claimed that the decision ought to go in favour of the bowler if the batter decides to leave the ball and it is still hitting the stumps. His remarks came in context of the referral that was sent upstairs when Karun Nair was seemingly trapped for a LBW in the 11th over, but was adjudged otherwise. Likewise, a couple of overs earlier, Jaiswal too managed to get a reprieve.

“We could have easily had them 30 for 3. It was a pretty frustrating morning, really. Obviously emotions run high when you are desperate to do well for the team, do well for yourself and it would’ve been nice… had those decisions gone our way, the day looks completely different, but that is Test cricket and we move on,” Woakes said.

Woakes joins the list of West Indies captain Roston Chase and coach Darren Sammy on the list of those demanding more accountability from the officials. Recently, Sammy was fined and was handed a demerit point by the ICC for speaking against third umpire Adrian Holdstock over his controversial decisions that went against West Indies in WI vs AUS 1st Test in Barbados.

As for India, they managed to make most use of these decisions. Jaiswal scored 87 runs before he was sent packing while Karun scored 31 runs off 50 deliveries.