WI vs AUS: Coach Sammy Raises Umpiring Concerns in Meeting with Match Referee Srinath

WI Coach Darren Sammy Flags Umpiring Concerns in Australia Test, Meets Match Referee Srinath.

West Indies head coach Darren Sammy met with match referee Javagal Srinath on Friday, June 27, to express concerns over two controversial umpiring decisions during the second day of the first Test against Australia at Bridgetown.

The match saw two key dismissals—those of West Indies captain Roston Chase and batter Shai Hope—draw scrutiny, with both decisions going against the hosts and heavily impacting their innings. Australia ended the day with a strong position, holding an 82-run lead with six wickets in hand.

The first incident involved Roston Chase, who was adjudged leg-before-wicket to a delivery from Pat Cummins that nipped back and struck him on the pads. Chase reviewed the call, and while UltraEdge showed faint, closely spaced spikes as the ball passed the bat, the third umpire upheld the on-field decision. The visuals triggered debate over whether Chase had edged the ball.

The second contentious moment came during Shai Hope’s innings. On 48, Hope was ruled caught behind off Beau Webster, with Alex Carey diving forward to take the catch. Replays suggested the ball may have made contact with the ground during the take, but the third umpire supported the on-field call, ruling Hope out. That decision, too, raised eyebrows.

Speaking after the day’s play, Sammy voiced frustration with the umpiring consistency, particularly with on-field umpire Adrian Holdstock.

“We’re just trying to understand the process. All we ask for is consistency,” Sammy told ESPNcricinfo. “When there’s doubt, be consistent across the board. I’ve noticed a pattern—especially with this particular umpire—going back to our tour of England. It’s frustrating.”

The former captain’s concerns were formally raised with referee Srinath in a post-match meeting, though it remains unclear whether the International Cricket Council (ICC) will review the incidents or consider any further steps.

Australia, meanwhile, will be eyeing their first Test victory on West Indies soil since 2003. The hosts last beat the Aussies in a home Test in Antigua more than two decades ago, on May 9, 2003.