There was a moment of controversy on the second day of the fourth Test between England and India on Southampton on Friday.
Ben Stokes trapped Ajinkya Rahane lbw in the 47th over for 11. The batsman decided to review the decision and that’s when controversy erupted.
The third umpire first checked for a no-ball and it was all the more criticial as Stokes had been bowling big no-balls throughout Friday. In the TV replays, Stokes’ front foot was once again found to have finished over the line.
However, the third umpire Joel Wilson called it a fair delivery as a part of Stokes’ raised heel was deemed to be behind the crease at the point of delivery. The follow-up ball-tracking showed Rahane was out lbw.
Indian cricket fans took to social media to express their anguish as close up images of Stokes’ full delivery stride showed Stokes’ front foot to be over the line at the time of release.
A ball is deemed to be a fair delivery if a part of the bowlers’ foot is seen to be behind to crease even if the boot is raised in the delivery stride.
WICKET! Stokes traps Rahane lbw for 11 - after nearly over-stepping.
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 31, 2018
"It was mighty close," says Nasser Hussain, of that front foot call.
India 161-4 trail by 85 runs. Watch the fourth #EngvInd Test on Sky Sports Cricket & Main Event or follow here: https://t.co/0YEKSzkL1J pic.twitter.com/AllIE1nw0s
One of the wrost decision of 3rd umpire that i see.....@cricketaakash @vikrantgupta73 @imVkohli #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/HaYeKA5WdL
— ashish kumar (@A5HI5HKUMAR) August 31, 2018
