A controversial Decision Review System (DRS) incident ignited tensions during the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Friday. The drama unfolded during India's second innings after Yashasvi Jaiswal was adjudged leg-before-wicket (LBW) off the bowling of Josh Tongue.
Umpire Sharfuddoula raised his finger to signal Jaiswal was out, prompting a discussion between the batter and his partner, KL Rahul. Jaiswal eventually signaled for a review, but England captain Ben Stokes immediately protested. Stokes argued that the 15-second timer, which dictates the time limit for players to request a review, had expired before Jaiswal made the signal.
Stokes approached the umpires to voice his displeasure, leading to a heated discussion. KL Rahul also intervened, attempting to explain the situation and calm the England captain. The Edgbaston crowd responded to the controversy with loud boos. Despite the protests, the umpires decided to proceed with the DRS review.
The replays confirmed that the ball was indeed hitting the leg stump, resulting in "three reds" and upholding the on-field umpire's decision. Jaiswal was consequently dismissed for 28 runs off 22 balls. Although Jaiswal had to leave, he became the joint-fastest Indian to score 2000 Test runs.
The incident sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many questioning the umpires' decision to allow the review after the timer had seemingly expired. Some felt that the umpires should have strictly adhered to the DRS rules, while others argued that a fair decision was ultimately reached as the replays confirmed Jaiswal's dismissal.
This is not the first time during the series that the umpires' decisions have frustrated the Indian side. In the first Test, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill expressed their frustration when the umpires denied their repeated requests to change the ball. Mohammed Siraj also showed his anger at the decision. Rishabh Pant was even reprimanded and received a demerit point for showing dissent towards the umpires after they denied a ball change request.
Tensions between the two sides were already simmering after Ravindra Jadeja was warned by the umpire for allegedly running on the pitch during the second day of the second Test. England players Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes complained to the umpires, but Jadeja dismissed their accusations as mind games.
Despite the DRS controversy and other tense moments, India ended day three of the second Test in a strong position, leading by 244 runs. KL Rahul (28) and Karun Nair (7) were at the crease at stumps.