While Australia men's cricket players were not happy with a couple of decisions during the World Cup 2023 clash against South Africa, back home an Australian umpire made a controversial call in a women’s ODI match against West Indies. Umpire Claire Polosak stunned West Indies batter Staphanie Taylor with her decision. Annabel Sutherland took a catch off her own bowling which was referred upstairs. From the front-on angle, it did not look like the ball had bounced in front of her and she did not have fingers underneath the ball. But to everyone’s surprise, Taylor was given out.
The incident took place in the 12th over of the innings, Taylor and Rashada Williams were looking to do some damage control after both openers returned to the pavillion. Taylor played the ball to Sutherland. The bowler was quick to get her hand down in follow-through. She took the catch and appealed.
The crowd at Junction Oval, Melbourne was also shocked when the third umpire’s decision was displayed on the big screen. "I'm satisfied the fingers are under the ball," Claire said before making the decision. The Caribbean batter was furious as she walked back to the dressing room. Also, a few Australian players were surprised while celebrating the third wicket.
After losing early wickets, West Indies suffered a middle-order collapse. Sutherland and Alana King took two wickets each whereas Tahlia McGrath mopped up the tail. Georgia Wareham dismissed wicketkeeper-batter Rashada who was the top scorer for West Indies with 25 runs. The visitors got bowled out for 103 from 31.4 overs.
In the run chase, Phoebe Litchfield and skipper Alyssa Healy scored runs quickly during the fielding restrictions. Both departed within five deliveries but Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney ensured they got over the line with 34.3 overs to spare.
Australia's eight-wicket win helped them win the three-ODI series by 2-0. In the first ODI, West Indies were bowled out for 83 and the hosts won by eight wickets as well. In the second ODI, rain played spoilsport and saved West Indies from another big defeat.
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