'It's a disgrace': Uproar over contentious Tim Paine incident
New South Wales quick and former Australia Test bowler Trent Copeland has slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) over what he referred to as a Boxing Day "disgrace" at the MCG.
Copeland was among those furious with the Decision Review System (DRS) after Aussie captain Tim Paine controversially survived a run-out call against India on day one of the second Test.
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In what was one of the closer calls to be seen in recent history, Paine’s bat appeared to be on the crease when Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant knocked off the bails.
The visitors seemed confident the Australia captain would be sent on his way for six, but were instead perplexed when the third umpire handed him a reprieve.
The third umpire's decision came because the camera frames didn't seem to offer conclusive evidence that the bails had been removed from the stumps before Paine's bat crossed the crease.
"There's no conclusive evidence to show the bat is on the wrong side of the line, so the bat looks like it could have a bit over the line. My decision is not out."
Tim Paine survives ... just! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/U2KCfd5JiF— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2020
The incident left many viewers and commentators incensed and Copeland says it’s the ICC's duty to provide the technology required to eliminate future controversies.
"How on earth in the year 2020 do we NOT have super-slow mo cameras as mandatory all around the world?!" Copeland tweeted.
"We cannot be getting caught in between frames in this day and age.
"I think it’s a disgrace (the) broadcast (provider) is responsible. Do the ICC care about the right results happening in Test matches? If so. Slow mo for run out … is a NON-negotiable. Find the money.
"Don’t think anyone thinks it’s OK. Just think it’s past the point where it’s OK to have not fixed the issue. Not the broadcast responsibility. It’s quality control of game."
Australian cricketing great Shane Warne was among those perplexed by the call.
“Very surprised that Tim Paine survived that run out review!” he wrote on Twitter.
“I had him on his bike & thought there was no part of his bat behind the line! Should have been out in my opinion.”
Indian fans were also up in arms over the controversial incident and took to social media to vent their frustrations.
Fortunately for the tourists, it didn't prove too costly as Paine added just seven more runs before being dismissed for 13 by Ravi Ashwin.
India on top after dramatic opening day
India went to stumps at 1-36 as the tourists endured 50 minutes of supreme fast bowling on the most lively MCG pitch for years.
Aussie quick Mitchell Starc landed a late blow on India after the hosts were rolled for 195 earlier on day one.
Starc trapped Mayank Agarwal lbw for a duck to end the first over, evoking memories of India's record collapse in Adelaide last week.
Pat Cummins should have had opener Shubman Gill out in slips in the fifth over, but Marnus Labuschagne put down a fast-moving chance.
Debutant Gill (28 not out) made the most of the let-off, showing poise beyond his 21 years to survive until the close of play alongside Cheteshwar Pujara (7 no).
Despite the late drama, India claimed day-one spoils as they bounced back strongly with a new-look line-up following their first Test disaster.
The MCG pitch has been infamously flat in recent years, but quick Jasprit Bumrah (4-56) and spinner Ashwin (3-35) took advantage of its pace, spin and bounce for India.
Apart from an 86-run fourth-wicket stand between Labuschagne and Travis Head (38), Australia never looked comfortable as Bumrah, Ashwin and debutant Mohammed Siraj (2-40), heaped on the pressure.
Bumrah cleaned up Joe Burns in the fourth over, before Ashwin claimed makeshift opener Matthew Wade (30) and the prized scalp of Steve Smith in an eventful first session.
Smith was caught at leg-slip off a turning delivery without scoring - the 31-year-old's first Test duck since 2016.
Bumrah had Burns nicking to recalled wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant for a duck, again ramping up pressure on the Queenslander's international future.
Labuschagne successfully appealed an lbw decision and was struck on the helmet, resulting in a lengthy delay, during his innings as he top-scored with 48.
with AAP
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