NEW DELHI: Australia A batter Marcus Harris‘s decision to remain at the crease after a contentious caught-at-slip call has sparked widespread criticism.
England legend Stuart Broad openly disapproved, commenting on social media, “I’d have walked for that,” after Indian spinner Tanush Kotian appeared to have Harris nicking the ball to first slip.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra also expressed disbelief, calling it “Not-Out” and sharing his dismay online.
“How’s this Not-Out????” Chopra wrote, expressing utter shock.
The incident occurred while Harris was on 48, facing a delivery from Kotian that drifted in and seemed to nick his bat before heading to the first slip, where the catch was cleanly taken.
However, the on-field umpire, Mike Graham-Smith, dismissed the appeal, leaving India A players visibly frustrated.
As Harris stood his ground, commentators observed that the ball had likely edged the bat, though Harris later suggested the sound might have come from his bat brushing his pad.
Ultimately, Harris continued his innings, reaching a half-century before being caught behind by Prasidh Krishna on 74.
This decision fueled discussions across social media, with Kotian later labelling it as a “horrible” decision.
Despite replays, Harris maintained he couldn’t tell if there was an edge, telling cricket.com.au, “If they reviewed it and it showed I hit it and got caught, I would have gone, ‘Yep, fair enough.’”
The incident added fuel to the already intense contest, with Australia A holding a 1-0 lead in the series after winning the first match. Players of both the teams are vying for selections in their national sides ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy beginning November 22 in Perth.
