WI vs AUS: Coach Sammy Meets Match Referee Srinath to Discuss Controversial TV Umpire Calls

Sammy Meets Referee Srinath Over Umpiring Controversies in WI-AUS Test.

West Indies head coach Darren Sammy met with match referee Javagal Srinath to voice serious concerns over two controversial umpiring decisions on Day 2 of the first Test against Australia at Bridgetown, raising questions about consistency in officiating. Australia ended the day in a commanding position with a lead of 82 runs and six wickets in hand, but the spotlight turned to two contentious dismissals—those of West Indies captain Roston Chase and batter Shai Hope.

Chase was adjudged LBW to a delivery from Pat Cummins that jagged back sharply. Though Chase reviewed the call, UltraEdge showed faint and clustered spikes as the ball passed the bat—suggesting a possible inside edge. However, the third umpire upheld the on-field decision.

Later, Shai Hope, on 48, was declared caught behind off Beau Webster. Replays of Alex Carey’s low catch hinted that the ball may have touched the ground. Despite referral, the TV umpire again upheld the on-field decision, fueling further controversy.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Sammy said, “We’re just trying to understand the process. We only ask for consistency. That’s all we can expect. When there’s doubt, there needs to be a consistent standard applied.” Sammy also pointed to past frustrations with the same umpire, Adrian Holdstock, recalling similar concerns during West Indies’ tour of England.

The ICC has not yet commented on the incidents or whether any review or action will follow. Meanwhile, the West Indies will look to regroup as they aim to end Australia’s two-decade-long unbeaten Test run in the Caribbean—their last win coming in Antigua in 2003.