Jack Leach jokes cricket technology is a ‘bit like VAR’ after umpiring controversy

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“It was a bit like VAR,” joked Jack Leach after video technology was at the centre of controversy on day one of the second Test in Chennai. 

In the evening session as India went towards stumps, eventually finishing on 300 for six after winning the toss, two decisions sent upstairs to third umpire Anil Chaudary were rushed back down to the field with “not out” decisions upheld. 

The first was a marginal call on a stumping against Rohit Sharma. On 159 at the time, a delivery from Leach passed his outside edge and was taken by wicketkeeper Ben Foakes who sharply removed the bails. Replays showed the right-hander’s back foot very close to being out of his ground, but the speed at which a conclusion was arrived at belied the marginal nature of the call. 

READ MORE: The perception and curse of being an England spinner

The second, however, was an outright error. England appealed for a catch at bat-pad against Ajinkya Rahane on 66, again off the bowling of Leach. With the process playing out on the big screen, the tourists were confused when only the edge of the bat was checked having only reviewed the on-field “not out” call by standing umpire Virender Sharma because they felt the ball had popped up and taken the glove or handle before nestling in Ollie Pope’s hands. 

A check for LBW followed as captain Joe Root questioned if the full process had been carried out. Sharma confirmed it had, and England continued on having lost a review. However, viewers at home were then shown a replay showing the top-hand had been brushed, with a clear spike confirmed on UltraEdge.

“We were trying to get them to roll it through because the wicket had come after,” confirmed Leach after play. “They checked the lbw which we knew wasn’t out!

“They said they were definitely [checking the glove], then the lbw footage came up and we said no no no, it’s the other one. I got the impression that they hadn’t checked it.”

Thankfully, the mistakes did not cost England. Sharma added just two before giving Leach a deserved second when he struck out to Moeen Ali in the deep for 161. Moeen, playing his first Test since August 2019, was then able to bowl Rahane (67) for the addition of just one. 

It was only when the 12^th man came out with drinks for the fall of Rahane’s wicket that those on the field were informed that the glove had not been checked. By then, with India 249 for five, there was no need to air any grievances. They had also regained the “lost” review after England operations manager Wayne Bentler contacted match referee Javagal Srinath following the evidence that had come to light on the broadcast. 

“It is a bit like VAR today isn’t it, still controversial even though you’ve got the video technology there,” said Leach, who finished the day with two for 78 when he should have had three. “It is what it is, but hopefully it is swings and roundabouts and we get a bit of luck along the way.

“There’s nothing I can do. At the time I was a little bit angry but getting a wicket the next over makes it a little bit easier. It’s not cost us too much. And we’ve got our review back which is also important. But I’d rather have three than two, I guess.”

The left-arm spinner also stated he had no ill-feeling towards Chaudary, who had an excellent first Test as the standing umpire. “It is alright, it was a mistake and these things happen. Obviously I would have loved another wicket but it didn’t cost us too much, Rahane got out next over. I’m just pleased he got out.”