Zak Crawley controversy clouds India’s triumph: Ben Stokes blames technology

Having faced a disappointing defeat in Hyderabad last week, India under Rohit Sharma roared back in emphatic fashion, claiming a 106-run win in the second Test played at the ACA-VDCA Stadium. This mammoth victory not only silenced the doubters but also levelled the five-match series 1-1, setting the stage for a captivating remainder.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s magnificent double-century in the first inning laid the foundation for the win. Jasprit Bumrah then dented England’s response, ripping through their lineup with a six-wicket haul. England were bundled out for 253, handing India a crucial 143-run advantage.

In the second innings, India faltered somewhat, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, a crucial and potentially career-defining century from Shubman Gill and ensuring they posted a respectable total of 255. This left England with a daunting target of 399, a chase that always seemed improbable against a resurgent Indian bowling attack. England’s second innings began with promise. Zak Crawley, in scintillating form, defied the pressure with his second half-century of the game.

However, the Indian bowling attack never allowed England to settle. Wickets fell at crucial junctures, and despite some fight, England eventually crumbled for 292, falling short by 106 runs. This Test showcased the contrasting fortunes of the two teams’ batting units. While India thrived on individual brilliance, with Jaiswal, Bumrah and Gill grabbing the spotlight, England got contributions from plenty of players but they all failed to make it count.

“Technology has gone wrong on this occasion”

Amidst India’s resounding victory in Visakhapatnam, one moment ignited controversy: Zak Crawley’s dismissal in England’s second innings. With England chasing a challenging target, Crawley, batting with a sublime touch, had compiled a valiant half-century, offering hope for a comeback. However, an LBW decision against him proved pivotal. He was dismissed off a flighted delivery bowled by Kuldeep Yadav. To the naked eye, it seemed that the delivery would at most, clip the leg stump. India took the review nevertheless and ball tracking went on to suggest that the ball travelled at the same angle at which it was released, instead of straightening.

Three reds appeared on the screen and Zak Crawley was left shell-shocked. Brendon McCullum was in a similar state in the dugout. England captain, Ben Stokes, expressed reservations about the dismissal, stating, “In a game full of ifs, buts and maybes, I am not going to say that’s the reason why we haven’t got the result we wanted. I’m just saying my personal opinion is that the technology has gone wrong on this occasion, and I think that’s fair to say.” He acknowledged the limitations of DRS but emphasized the frustration of losing a key batsman to a debatable call.