Follow UsThe first Test between West Indies and Australia ended with the visitors winning in Barbados by 159 runs; however, it wasn’t without controversy as many on-field and TV umpire decisions came under scrutiny during the Test.
Speaking after the game, Windies skipper Roston Chase pointed out that these erroneous decisions played a significant role in his side losing the game. Earlier, coach Darren Sammy had also come out and criticised TV Umpire Adrian Holdstock after the end of the second day’s play.
The decisions in contention were of Chase’s LBW call, which had a clear inside edge, Shai Hope’s catch by Alex Carey, which seemed to have been grounded, and a caught behind call against Travis Head on Day 1.
“This game is a frustrating one for me and for the team because we bowled out Australia for a relatively low score. We were very happy with that," Chase said after losing the first Test.
"But then there were so many questionable calls in the game and none of them went our way. I mean, as a player, you're out there, you're giving your all, you're fighting. And then nothing is going your way.
"It could be heartbreaking. You see what set batters can do on the wicket. The wicket is one where once you get in, you can get runs, but the hardest part is to get in. Me and Shai Hope were going well, and then, obviously, we had some questionable calls. That really set us back in terms of creating a big lead on the total that Australia set."
Chase further justified feeling hurt on such decisions, as according to him, the match officials are not penalised after the wrong calls made by them affect a game. He also added that carelessness in such calls can even end careers.
"It's clear to see anyone would feel bad or feel hurt about those decisions. You're out there playing to win, giving it your all and it seems like everyone is against you,” the Windies skipper added.
“It's frustrating because as players, when we mess up, when we get out of line, we're penalised harshly. But the officials, nothing ever happens to them. They just have a wrong decision or questionable decision and life just goes on.
“You're talking about guys' careers. One bad decision could make or break a guy's career. I just think that it should be an even playground in terms of when players step out of line, they're penalised. I think that there should be some penalty put in place when you have blatant decisions going against you. I think it was a big factor in the game because Hope and I were going well.”
Notably, such public criticism of the match officials can land the Windies team in trouble, as the ICC have been strict in punishing any dissent from the players.