Controversy Erupts Over Travis Head's Dodgy Dismissal in West Indies vs Australia Test
Questionable decision: Travis Head manages to stay in play despite catch-behind call disputed.
In a heated moment during the first Test in Barbados on June 25, Australia's Travis Head escaped controversy after a questionable caught behind decision off Shamar Joseph's bowling.
Travis Head Survives Shamar Joseph's Close Shave
The incident unfolded in the 46th over of Australia's first innings. Joseph's delivery, landing on a length outside off-stump, saw Head attempting a cut, narrowly missing the ball's center. The ball grazed the toe-end of Head's bat and trickled towards the wicketkeeper, Shai Hope.
A cacophony of appeals from the fielders ensued, and the on-field umpires sent the decision for a review. TV umpire Adrian Holdstock scrutinized the replays meticulously to determine if Hope had caught the ball cleanly.
UltraEdge technology verified an edge, but Holdstock required definitive proof that the ball hadn't bounced before Hope claimed the catch. The replays suggested the ball had perhaps bounced on Hope's glove before settling in his hands, hinting at a ground contact.
Public Outcry Despite Head's Reprieve
Despite the ruling, Head's reprieve did not last long, as he was dismissed only four overs later, again caught behind, this time by a Justin Greaves delivery. The decision was clear-cut, with no debate about a potential bounce.
Australia Weather Stormy Conditions in Barbados Test
Earlier in the day, Australia captain Pat Cummins chose to bat, only to see Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, and Josh Inglis fall with the score still at 22. Usman Khawaja (47) and Head put together a crucial 89-run partnership for the fourth wicket before a late-afternoon collapse left Australia reeling at 180 all out.
Also read: ** unprecedented comeback: Shai Hope's return to West Indies' Test team after an extended 1,313-day absence
Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph shared nine wickets between them, while Head's dismissal marked the beginning of an alarming slide that left Australia vulnerable on a 14-wicket day in Barbados.
West Indies Fight Back
In response, West Indies’ opening pair, Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell, were dismissed cheaply by Mitchell Starc within the first seven overs of their innings. Cummins then accounted for Keacy Carty, and Josh Hazlewood cleaned up nightwatchman Jomel Warrican to leave the hosts stumbling at 57-4 when stumps were drawn, with Brandon King (23*) and Roston Chase (1*) at the crease.
Image credit: X / @FanCode
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caught behind, Shamar Joseph, Travis Head, West Indies, Australia, Barbados, Test, cricket controversy, controversial decision, caught behind controversy, cricket dismissal, Shai Hope, UltraEdge technology, captain Roston Chase, Pat Cummins, cricket debate, cricket drama.
Sports enthusiasts grappling with cricket news are abuzz with controversy surrounding Travis Head's dismissal during the Test match between Australia and West Indies in Barbados. The incident occurred when a delivery from Shamar Joseph grazed Head's bat, later being caught by Shai Hope, stirring questions about the validity of the caught behind decision. This controversy is adding more drama to the sports scene, further fueling debates and discussions among fans.
