Image: Pat Cummins comments on Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal over cheating / © Cricket Addictor
After the dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal in the 4th Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), controversy erupted over the young opener’s wicket. Jaiswal, who played a resilient knock of 84 off 207 balls, was caught behind off a Pat Cummins bouncer aimed at his leg stump. Initially given not out by the on-field umpire, Australia reviewed the decision, and the third umpire overturned the call based on visible deviation and faint audio cues, despite inconclusive UltraEdge evidence.
Pat Cummins defended the decision, citing clear signs of contact between Jaiswal’s glove and the ball, and noted the batter’s reaction as an acknowledgment. This explanation, however, did little to quell debates among fans and experts, who questioned the reliability of technology in such close calls. He said:
Oh look, I think it was just clear that he hit it; (we) heard a noise, saw a deviation, so it was absolutely certain that he hit it. As soon as we referred it, you could see him drop his head and basically acknowledge that he hit it. On the screen, you can see he hit it. Ultra-edge, I don’t think anyone has complete confidence in and didn’t really show much, but fortunately, there’s enough other evidence to show it was clearly out.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma voiced disappointment, claiming his team has frequently been on the wrong side of technology-related controversies. He admitted the apparent contact but criticized the inconsistency of UltraEdge. The incident added fuel to the intense rivalry, with Australia eventually securing a commanding 184-run victory to further intensify the ongoing series.