Umpiring in the third Test between India and England at Lord’s has drawn criticism from fans and experts alike, with several contentious decisions going against India. While India successfully overturned a few decisions using DRS, others remained unchanged due to the controversial “umpire’s call” clause.
One such incident involved a delivery from Mohammed Siraj that appeared to trap Joe Root plumb in front. The on-field umpire, Paul Reiffel, gave it not out. India reviewed the decision, and ball-tracking showed it hitting the stumps—but it stayed not out due to “umpire’s call.”
Commentator and former India spinner Anil Kumble didn’t hold back, accusing Reiffel of biased officiating.
“It seems Paul Reiffel has decided that it is not going to be out. Anything close, not out,” Kumble said on-air.
Former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund noted that Siraj even stared at the umpire in frustration as he walked back. Meanwhile, Jonathan Trott, former England batter, downplayed the incident, saying:
“At normal speed, it looked like it was just missing leg stump. England survive again. India animated.”
On the final day, Kumble also emphasized the importance of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in India’s chase of 193:
“Their partnership is absolutely critical. They batted well in the first innings, but there’s no room for indecision now. If one gets out early, the pressure on the other becomes massive,” he said.
“I believe it comes down to KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja. If England don’t get Rahul and Pant early, they’ll be under real pressure against India’s lower order.”
