Gavaskar Slams DRS as ‘Flawed’ After Root Survives Close LBW Call Off Siraj
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar sharply criticised the Decision Review System (DRS) and on-field umpire Paul Reiffel after a contentious LBW decision went in favour of Joe Root on Day 4 of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s.
The moment unfolded in the 38th over of England’s second innings, when Mohammed Siraj got one to jag back sharply and hit Root on the pads. The bowler and slip cordon erupted in appeal, and this time Shubman Gill—after showing hesitation in previous appeals—opted for the review without delay.
Replays showed Root had shuffled across the stumps, and the ball struck him flush in front. Crucially, the leg stump was clearly visible at the point of impact, prompting expectations of a reversal. However, ball-tracking technology suggested that the ball would merely clip the leg stump, triggering the controversial ‘umpire’s call’ verdict and allowing Root to stay.
Gavaskar and Trott Question Ball-Tracking Accuracy
The decision did not sit well with India. Siraj, clearly incensed, punched the air in frustration. Gavaskar, commentating live, minced no words in his reaction.
“You’re saying it was going to kiss the leg stump? There’s no way. It was knocking the leg stump off,” said the former India captain. “The only good thing is that India haven’t lost the review.”
Gavaskar’s sentiments were echoed by Jonathan Trott, who was also baffled by the outcome.
“I’m flabbergasted. Watching that in real time, I thought it was crashing into leg stump. Even on replay, it looked like a clear dismissal,” said the former England batter.
India Frustrated As Root, Stokes Build Key Stand
At the time, the decision proved pivotal as Root, alongside Ben Stokes, stitched together a 67-run fifth-wicket partnership, frustrating an Indian side that had otherwise dominated the morning session.
Earlier in the day, India had made inroads with a flurry of wickets. Jasprit Bumrah was at his metronomic best, while Siraj was full of intensity, picking up Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope. Nitish Kumar Reddy removed Zak Crawley, who continued to struggle in the series, and Akash Deep dismissed Harry Brook, who had looked dangerous with a quickfire counterattack.
Despite the Root-LBW setback, India struck again just before Tea, with Washington Sundar clean bowling Root for 40, breaking the resistance and reducing England to 154/5. With Stokes and the in-form Jamie Smith at the crease, India remained in the hunt, but questions around DRS and inconsistent luck lingered.
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