Once again, umpire Richard Kettleborough officiated in an ICC knockout match and India ended up on the wrong side of history. Part of ICC’s elite list of umpires, Kettleborough was one of the field umpires in the World Cup 2023 final. While one decision in Australia’s run chase he made went in India’s favour, an umpire’s call helped Australia continue their domination at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
During the medal ceremony after Australia’s six-wicket win, Kettleborough was booed by Indian fans as he walked up to the stage. He smiled as he got booed and collected the medal.
In the seventh over of Australia's run chase, Steve Smith was given out lbw. Jasprit Bumrah bowled a slow off-cutter that hit Smith on the back pad. However, the hawkeye showed that the impact was not in front of the wickets. Had Smith opted for DRS, the decision would have been overturned.
Later in Australia’s run chase, in the 28th over, Bumrah bowled a yorker that hit Marnus Labuschagne in front of the wickets. All players and the crowd went up but Kettleborough shook his head. The ball-tracking technology showed that it would have hit the leg stump but the umpire's call saved Labuschagne. Australia were 158/3 then and it would have helped India make a comeback in the game as Labuschagne was holding on to one end.
Bumrah had a conversation with Kettleborough after the DRS did not go India’s way. Later, frustrated after not being able to pick wickets he flicked one of the bails but picked it up and placed it back. Labuschagne remained not out for 58 off 110 deliveries as Australia won the game by six wickets with seven overs to spare.
However, this was not the first time Kettleborough has been booed by fans during the post-match ceremony. After India’s loss to Australia in the World Test Championship 2023 final, he was booed. He was the third umpire in the WTC 2023 final and gave the controversial decision of ruling Shubman Gill out despite Cameron Green’s taking a low catch where the ball appeared to touch the ground.
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