Australia had a tumultuous beginning in the World Test Championship final, facing severe challenges on day one. The team’s woes were evident as they found themselves at 4-67 at lunch, following the dismissals of Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green, both at the hands of South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada.
During the critical second session, Beau Webster faced an lbw decision that initially went his way when Umpire Richard Illingworth ruled it not out. Despite tentative contact with a delivery from Rabada, which seemed to nip back in, South African captain Temba Bavuma opted not to review the decision. Onlookers, including cricket legends Nasser Hussain and Stuart Broad, suggested the appeal warranted further investigation, especially after a replay indicated that the ball might have struck Webster’s pad directly.
Experts later confirmed that the ball was hitting the stumps after tracking technology was used, showing that three reds on screen indicated a missed opportunity for a successful review. The situation heightened tensions as Webster continued, narrowly avoiding a dismissive fate that many commentators believed was just.
Adding to the confusion of the day, Bavuma had a prior review for a similar lbw appeal off Marco Jansen against Webster that was deemed an ‘umpire’s call.’ Meanwhile, a later appeal for lbw against legendary Australian batsman Steve Smith was also turned down, continuing a day punctuated by close calls.
As the session progressed, Webster eventually made 23 runs before enduring another close lbw appeal from Lungi Ngidi, which was dismissed as he had made contact with the ball. Ian Smith, a renowned commentator, voiced concerns over the team’s review strategies, remarking that their decision-making had not been up to par throughout the match.
In hindsight, amidst close calls and missed opportunities, Australia faced a daunting challenge but managed to keep their hopes alive as Wilson stayed in after narrowly escaping two lbw decisions. The match demonstrates how precarious Test cricket can be, especially when decisions around reviews and umpires’ calls play a pivotal role in determining a team’s fate.