The catch, which many are calling extraordinary, is now under scrutiny due to concerns over the umpiring decisions that followed.
In the third One Day International (ODI) of the series held at The Oval in London, a crucial moment arrived during England’s innings when Sadeera Samarawickrama, the Sri Lankan wicketkeeper, dived forward to take a remarkable catch to dismiss Chris Woakes. The catch appeared to be clean and was initially celebrated by the Sri Lankan team as a game-changing moment.
However, the controversy erupted when the on-field umpires, Nigel Llong and Anil Chaudhary, referred the decision to the third umpire to confirm if the catch was clean. The replays seemed to indicate that the ball might have touched the ground as Samarawickrama scooped it up. Nevertheless, the third umpire, Sundaram Ravi, decided to uphold the on-field umpire’s soft signal, ruling Woakes out.
This decision sparked an uproar among the England team and its supporters. Captain Eoin Morgan was seen in animated discussion with the on-field umpires, expressing his disbelief at the outcome. Commentators, former players, and cricket enthusiasts also weighed in on social media platforms.
The hashtag #SadeeraCatchGate trended on Twitter as fans and analysts debated whether the catch was fair or if the third umpire had made the correct call. Many believed that the third umpire’s decision was questionable, and that the catch should have been declared not out.
Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan tweeted, This one is robbery! The third umpire should have given it not out. The soft signal has caused a big controversy. Hope there’s a review of this decision.
As the controversy gained momentum, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement acknowledging the debate surrounding the decision. The ICC stated that it would review the protocols and the soft signal concept for catches, especially in cases where the third umpire’s conclusive evidence is inconclusive.
Source TOI
The incident highlighted the need for consistent and transparent decision-making in cricket, as umpiring controversies have been a recurring issue in the sport. It also emphasized the influence and impact of social media on the discussion of cricket events, with fans and experts voicing their opinions in real time.
In the midst of this controversy, Sadeera Samarawickrama’s exceptional catch, which might have otherwise been celebrated as a remarkable moment in the sport, has become a subject of contention and debate. The incident underscores the need for effective technology and decision-making processes to ensure fair play and uphold the integrity of the game.
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