In the second session of play, Australia debutant Matthew Kuhnemann trapped Kohli in front of the stumps. The on-field umpire Nitin Menon straightaway raised his finger to adjudge the batter out. On the other hand, the ‘unsatisfied’ Kohli opted for a review.
After having a look at the dismissal from different angles, the TV umpire Richard Illingworth agreed with on-field umpire’s decision and Kohli had to make a long walk back to the pavilion for 44.
The ball hit Kohli’s front pad and the bat simultaneously, so the benefit of doubt should have gone in batsman’s favour. Aussie legend Mark Waugh, who is a part of the commentary panel for the ongoing Test series, also was shocked by the umpiring howler. “9 out of 10 times, umpires will give that Not Out,” he said on air.
Meanwhile, Kohli was so livid with the decision that when India returned to take the field for Australia’s second innings, he was seen having a detailed chat with umpire Menon.
The Delhi crowd soon realised that the two were having a conversation as Kohli followed Menon towards the square leg position, and started cheering for the local boy.
Here’s the video:
Talking about India’s first innings total, the hosts were bowled out for 262 in reply to Australia’s 263. All-rounder Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin added a 116-run stand for the eighth wicket to take their team out of hot water.
At stumps, Australia were 61/1 in their second essay, with Travis Head (39) and Marnus Labuschagne (16) unbroken on the crease.
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.