While the Australians remain securely on top during their World Test Championship final at The Oval against India, one moment of comedy has seen the team labelled ‘arrogant’ as the top order sheepishly returned to the field to continue the game.
After a frustrating day in the field that saw dropped catches, wickets off no-balls and wasted reviews, the Australians were keen to get into the sheds and let the batters begin to get to work.
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Cameron Green, in his 12th over of the day, had just removed Shardul Thakur for a fighting 51 and appeared to have trapped Mohammaed Siraj for a second ball duck to conclude the Indian first innings, with Siraj given out by the on-field umpire.
As is now customary in the age of the Decision Review System, when teams have a review remaining for their 10th wicket, it is standard practice for batters to review the dismissal regardless of how clearly they may be thought to be out, and when Siraj reviewed immediately, the Australians assumed it was one of these – a review for the sake of it, and immediately began walking off.
Technology proceeded to show that Siraj had in fact edged the ball onto his pads, overturning the decision.
By this point, the Australian top order were already off the field, keen to get their pads on and get ready for the second innings.
Cheers rang out across The Oval as the result of the review came through, turning to jeers at the perceived slight on the part of the Australians.
A flummoxed Ricky Ponting on commentary said he had never seen anything like it.
“Is he padded up? I’m not sure I’ve seen that before, ever,” Ponting said.
Broadcaster Alison Mitchell said Khawaja was “halfway up the stairs.”
The Cricinfo ball-by-ball commentary suggested it was “disrespectful”.
“Boos around the ground,” it said.
“That was rather strange from Australia.
“Disrespectful, some might say.”
It would matter little, with a rip-snorting bouncer from Mitchell Starc five balls later removing Mohammed Shami at the other end with a glove through to Alex Carey behind the stumps.
India would finish their first innings all out for 296, a deficit of 173.
Australia would conclude the third day’s play 4 for 123, leading by 296 and with Marnus Labuschagne not out on 41.
