Controversial DRS Call Saves Joe Root, Siraj Fumes, Gavaskar Criticises System

Gavaskar Questions DRS Accuracy After Root Survives Siraj’s LBW Appeal

Sunil Gavaskar raised serious questions about the Decision Review System (DRS) after Joe Root survived a close LBW appeal during Day 4 of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s. The incident, involving Mohammed Siraj, left the Indian camp visibly frustrated and reignited debate around the reliability of ball-tracking technology.

The moment unfolded in the 38th over of England’s second innings when Siraj brought one back sharply into Root, striking him in front of the stumps. Siraj, supported by a confident Shubman Gill and the entire slip cordon, appealed vociferously. Having hesitated on earlier reviews, Gill backed Siraj this time and opted for DRS.

‘Umpire’s Call’ Sparks Outrage
Replays showed Root had shuffled across, and the ball hit him in line. With the leg stump clearly visible at impact, India looked confident of getting the decision overturned. But to their dismay, ball-tracking predicted the delivery would just clip the leg stump, leading to the decision staying with the on-field umpire—Paul Reiffel.

Siraj was livid, punching the air in disbelief. The Indian team, already feeling the heat during a tense middle session, saw another tight moment swing England’s way.

Gavaskar, Trott Slam the System
Commentating at the time, Gavaskar didn’t hold back.

“You’re saying it was going to kiss the leg stump? No way. It was knocking the stumps over. The only saving grace is that India didn’t lose the review,” he said.

Former England batter Jonathan Trott echoed the sentiment:

“I’m flabbergasted. Watching it live and on replay, it looked like it was crashing into leg stump.”

The controversy added to India’s frustrations, especially as the Root-Stokes stand kept England afloat after a shaky start.

India Strike Back Before Tea
Despite the DRS setback, India found a breakthrough just before Tea. Washington Sundar bowled Root for 40, ending a 67-run fifth-wicket partnership and leaving England at 154/5, with Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith at the crease.

Earlier, India had made early inroads. Siraj was on fire, removing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope. Jasprit Bumrah kept things tight with his trademark discipline, while Nitish Kumar Reddy got Zak Crawley, and Akash Deep dismissed Harry Brook, who threatened with a brief counterattack.

Though India regained some control late in the session, the umpire’s call on Root remained a flashpoint in an otherwise gripping day of Test cricket.