Daren Sammy, West Indies’ head coach, has expressed his dissatisfaction with many disputed DRS rulings that went against his team over the first two days of the inaugural Test against Australia in Barbados. Sammy met match referee Javagal Srinath, requesting clarification and accountability for the third umpire’s rulings, namely those made by TV umpire Adrian Holdstock.
On Day 2 of the Frank Worrell Trophy Test at Kensington Oval, Australia led by 82 runs at stumps. However, the match has seen a series of contentious calls including UltraEdge and lbw referrals. The former Windies captain-turned-coach vented his rage at the post-game press conference. Sammy mentioned multiple occurrences. One of the most critical moments was Roston Chase’s lbw dismissal, which was ruled out by a Pat Cummins delivery despite an apparent spike on UltraEdge.
“I’ve noticed, particularly with this umpire, that it all started in England. It’s frustrating. I only ask for consistency in decision-making. We believe the ball deviated onto the pad. I’m only saying: assess what you see. If you see the same thing and one is not out, you have much more reason to distrust the other. Again, I’m not sure what he saw, but based on the visuals we saw, the judgements aren’t fair to both teams. We are all humans. Mistakes will happen. “I just want fairness.” Sammy
Don’t want to be going into a Test match not trusting the umpires: Daren Sammy
Another incident occurred when Shai Hope was caught behind off Beau Webster. The ball appeared to touch the ground as Alex Carey completed a one-handed catch, but Holdstock ruled it clean.
“Yeah, look, you don’t want to get yourself in a situation where you’re wondering about certain umpires. Is there something against this team? But when you see decision after decision, then it raises the question. I know he’s here for the series. You don’t want to go in a Test match having that doubt. So I want to have that conversation as to the process… so we could be all clear. Because, at the end of the day, you don’t want to be going into a Test match not trusting the umpires. And that’s not what our team is about. So we’re just looking for some clarity as to the decisions,” he added.
Moreover, Cameron Green survived an lbw appeal when replays displayed a possible bat and pad contact. A small spike showed on UltraEdge, with Holdstock ruling it as bat hitting the ball first to confirm the on-field not-out decision. Notably, ball-tracking later showed all three reds. Sammy also pointed out concerns in the application of DRS, questioning the accuracy and synchronization of Ultra Edge and replay footage.
“We know the rules. We know fines going all across the board. I don’t want them to focus on that. Yes, we’re kind of shooting ourselves in the foot by dropping so many catches, but look at the Test match, against our own selves, some of these decisions and we’re still in a position to win,” he concluded.
India
