India A spinner Tanush Kotian and his teammates were left shocked after the on-field umpire’s refusal to adjudge Australia A opener Marcus Harris being caught at first slip on the second day of the second unofficial Test between the two teams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
India A players, including Kotian, appeared to be convinced that Harris missed a defensive shot to a delivery that drifted into the left-hander before spinning away. The ball went to the fielder at first slip, who claimed the catch with ease.
Harris, who survived the appeal, was batting on 48 at the time of the incident. He went on to complete his half-century before being caught-behind off Prasidh Krishna on 74.
“Edge and he’s out. No he’s not! The Indians cannot believe it. Umpire Mike Graham-Smith is unmoved. To the naked eye, it looked like a genuine edge. Harris stood his ground,” the commentator said on air.
As the India A players continued to gesticulate to the umpire after the decision went against them, Harris seemed to indicate that the sound had emanated from the bat clipping his pad.
The two teams have come into the second unofficial Test after Australia A had won the opener by seven wickets to take 1-0 lead in the series.
The second match began on Thursday at the MCG with Australia A opting to bowl and dismissing India A for 161. In reply, the hosts took a 62-run lead after being bowled out for 223.
The unofficial Tests mark as an audition for players in both teams to make a mark and find a spot in the senior sides for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that begins on November 22 in Perth.
