NEW DELHI: The role of the third umpire in cricket is crucial in ensuring fair and accurate decision-making during matches with access to multiple camera angles and technology. Despite having access to advanced technology, the decisions made by the third umpire can still be subject to challenge or scrutiny.
The contentious decision by the third umpire caught everybody's attention during Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals IPL 2024 match in Hyderabad on Thursday.
The incident took place in the 15th over of SRH innings when in-form opener
Travis Head
survived a run-out attempt by RR captain and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson from behind the wickets.
Head took a step across his stumps to reach a full and wide delivery from Avesh Khan but missed the ball. As he over-balanced, Head appeared disoriented by the turn of events.
Samson, sensing Head's confusion, quickly threw down the stumps at the batter's end. Head seemed delayed in grounding his bat behind the crease, with the bat airborne as the bails were dislodged.
"That bat was in the air surely," said
Simon Katich
on air. But the third umpire has pressed the Not Out button on the giant screen. The Rajasthan team, including
Kumar Sangakkara
, expressed disbelief and sought clarification from the fourth official.
Unfortunately, Head was unable to capitalize on the opportunity, as he was bowled by Avesh Khan on the very next delivery after scoring 58 runs off 44 balls.
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