AUS vs PAK, 1st Test: Australian Legends Slam 3rd Umpire For Rizwan's Controversial Dismissal

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan was given out despite the video replays clearly showed Pat Cummins over-stepping

A major umpiring howler rocked the opening Test between host Australia and Pakistan at Gabba on Thursday. The controversy erupted after the TV umpire for the game, Michael Gough, gave Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan out despite the video replays clearly showed Pat Cummins over-stepping. What was the incident? Rizwan, who came in Pakistan’s rescue after a sudden top-order collapse, was dismissed for 37 runs in the 55^th over after edging a short delivery from Cummins to Tim Paine. The on-field umpire referred to Gough, to check any sort of overstepping. The third umpire ruled in favour of the hosts and Rizwan had to walk back to the pavillion. Here’s the video:

It doesn't come any closer than that!

This was judged a legal delivery! #closematters@Gillette | #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/Dtl2fCo2if — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 21, 2019

It was clearly visible that no part of Cummins’ show was inside the crease. However, the decision was given against Pakistan, causing further damage to the visitors. The entire episode was highly criticised by the Australian cricketing fraternity. Here are some of the reactions: “I couldn’t see any part of his foot land behind the line,” former captain Ricky Ponting was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “I reckon that’s hard on Pakistan, I think that’s got to be called a no-ball,” said Brett Lee on Fox Cricket. “I’m trying to find something behind (the line) there but I just can’t,” former Australian captain Allan Border said on Fox Cricket commentary. “I think that’s the wrong call. I think it’s a no-ball and should be recalled,” former paceman Jason Gillespie said on ABC Radio.