England may want to reconsider their implementation of the review system after a challenging first day in Rajkot, where proper utilization of technology could have potentially resulted in the removal of both of India’s centurions.

Both situations were complex and it is important to note that one was not noticed until later and may still not have been addressed by Rod Tucker, the third umpire. However, given that England was dominated by Rohit Sharma’s 131 and Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 110, and the series is tied at 1-1, these occurrences could have a significant impact.

Jadeja had a definitive dismissal as India reached 326 for five. The returning all-rounder was on 93 when Tom Hartley struck him in front during the final session. The umpire Kumar Dharmasena initially turned down the appeal, possibly thinking a bat was involved. However, replays showed that the ball hit the pad first. Hawk-Eye, which Ben Stokes questioned after the second Test loss, showed three reds.

Sharma’s unexpected “escape” on 87 caught everyone off guard, as India’s captain used a sweeping shot against Rehan Ahmed. The ball bounced off his helmet, silencing England’s appeal. However, a replay shown by the broadcasters three overs later revealed that it had actually hit Sharma’s forearm and would have hit the leg stump.

During this instance, Tucker may have had to remain with his teammate on the field because of a slight noise on Snicko that could have been seen as a slight movement of the glove. Regardless, Paul Collingwood, the assistant coach for England, had a calm and accepting attitude after the end of the day’s play.

Collingwood responded that the team does not typically adhere to a strict structure when determining whether a decision should be reviewed.

“We currently have a group of highly skilled cricketers on the field. Ben Foakes holds a crucial role as wicketkeeper. The bowler may become quite emotional during play. Typically, a player in a square position will signal the height of a ball and whether it made contact with the pad first.”

“That pad-bat off Jadeja at the end, even the umpire didn’t pick that up, and all 11 players out on the park didn’t either. It can be frustrating but you have to crack on and try to create more chances.”

On that day, there was one real opportunity that was missed, despite being difficult, when Joe Root was unable to catch a low ball at slip. Hartley had caused Sharma to hit the ball on the 27th run, and Collingwood explained that no fielder intends to miss a chance and the only solution is to create more chances.

Collingwood had previously given Stokes a commemorative cap for his 100th Test, but it was a different Durham player, Mark Wood, who stood out for the visiting team. Wood took three wickets upon his comeback to the team, demonstrating his speed, and also executed a crucial run out of Sarfaraz Khan to keep his team in contention.

Collingwood stated, “This is a wonderful moment for [Stokes]. I have known Ben since he was a youngster. I’m sure he won’t be too concerned about reaching 100 Test caps, but you could see today when I presented him with the cap that he was quite moved.”

Woody possesses a great deal of heart. When the captain gives him the ball to bowl at a fast pace, he will always fulfill the captain’s wishes.

Source: theguardian.com