Out or not out? What would be the decision had third umpire Richard Kettleborough had not given Mitchell Marsh a reprieve

Out or not out? What would be the decision had third umpire Richard Kettleborough had not given Mitchell Marsh a reprieve
Mitchell Marsh hit on the pad by R Ashwin in first session of Day 2.

Story Highlights:

Mitchell Marsh was given a reprieve when he was yet to open his account.

The third umpire's decision caused controversy.

Marsh eventually lost his wicket to R Ashwin.

Later into the first session of Day 1, there was a bit appeal against Mitchell Marsh. The on-field umpire did not raise his finger but the Indian players were convinced. Ravichandran Ashwin was confident and skipper Rohit Sharma obliged as he opted for a review. However, the third umpire Richard Kettleborough felt that that the noise on the snicko was bat hitting the ball and not ball hitting the pad. The decision caused controversy as he did not even check whether it would have gone on to hit the stumps using ball-tracking technology. 

Virat Kohli was not happy with the third umpire's decision and had a conversation with on-field umpire Richard Illingworth reminding him about KL Rahul's dismissal in the Perth Test. Rahul was given out without conclusive evidence despite the bat being close to the pad when the ball passed by. 

However, Marsh would have survived the lbw shout even if he third umpire was convinced that the ball hit the pad first. The ball-tracking technology showed that the ball would have gone on to hit the middle stump but the impact was umpire's call. India would have retained their review but the decision would still remain not out. 

ALSO READ: Australia's nightwatchman behind floodlights going off during Day 1 of Adelaide Test? Report reveals what led to faux pas

Marsh was yet to open his account when he got an early reprieve. He remained unbeaten for two runs from 10 deliveries at the end of the second session. 

ALSO READ: West Indies batter with 49.60 ODI average handed four-match suspension for not turning up for toss in Super50 final

Marsh falls prey to poor call from umpire

The Australian all-rounder could not use the second chance and post a big score. He lost his wicket to Ashwin after scoring nine runs from 26 deliveries. He edged one to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant early in the second session. This time Marsh was not out as the snicko showed no spike when the ball passed the bat but he opted not to review the decision. 

Marsh's batting partner Travis Head was not happy with the on-field umpire's decision and was seen showing him that gap between the bat and ball. Interestingly, it was a half-hearted appeal from Ashwin and Pant but the umpire raised his finger anyway.