The first Test match being played between West Indies and Australia in Barbados has currently reached a thrilling turn, from where any team can win the match. However, many questions are being raised about umpiring in the two -day game so far. In a two -day game itself, the third umpire gave many controversial decisions, due to which the fans of West Indies are very unhappy.
In this match, the Adrian Holdstock, who is doing third umpiring, is the most discussed. He gave five highly controversial DRS decisions, out of which four went against the West Indies, which gave resentment among the players. The first suspicious moment came on the first day when Australia’s Travis Head Shamar Joseph sat out on the ball and West Indies fielder Shai Hope clearly lashed out at the slip. However, the third umpire called it not out because he felt that the ball touched the ground before being caught.
After this, the dispute increased on the morning of the second day. In the very first over, Josh Hazlewood and Australian team appealed for LBW against West Indies captain Roston Chase. The umpire gave notout but Australia decided to review the on-field not-out. During this time, Ultrase clearly showed that the ball had collided with the pad before the ball was hit, but still, the third umpire, while maintaining the not-out decision, concluded that the ball was first with the bat.
Soon after, Chase again joined another controversial moment. This time, he was described as LBW on a ball from Cummins, which was on his knee role. This time Chase decided to take a review. However, the bat and pads were very close, the ultraraes did not show any definite spike. However, the benefit of doubt was not given to Chase and the decision taken on the ground remained intact.
Caught or did the ball touch the ground?
Windies are furious with that decision. What’s your call? ☝️ or ❌#Wivaus pic.twitter.com/6vbqgk7vq
– Fancode (@Fancode) June 26, 2025
Another incident in the afternoon on the second day waged a debate. Shai Hope’s bat hit the ball of Bu Webster and wicketkeeper Alex Carrie took a brilliant catch behind the wicket. The umpires on the ground were uncertain and referred the decision to the third umpire. The slow-motion replay was seen that during Carrie’s attempt, the ball probably touched the turf. Despite clear doubts, the third umpire called it a clean catch, which Hope was dismissed and the Caribbean team was further disappointed.
At the time of stumps on the second day, Australia scored 92 runs for 4 wickets in their second innings, leading to 80 runs over the West Indies. Travis Head and Bu Webuster remained unbeaten on 13 and 19, as the two sides were already ready for a stressful third day in a fiery and controversial competition.
