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During the ICC World Test Championship Final, the second test match without the soft signal rule, an intense moment arose when Shubman Gill’s edge off Scott Boland was caught by Cameron Green at the gully. However, doubts emerged as to whether the ball had touched the ground during the catch.
The decision was referred to television umpire Richard Kettleborough, leading to a lengthy review of various angles and replays. Eventually, the catch was given, and an exasperated Gill had to depart, marking the end of the play before tea with India chasing a challenging target of 444.
Here is why soft signal wasn’t used to decide Shubman Gill wicket?
This incident gained significant attention due to the absence of a soft signal, which was removed from the ICC Playing Conditions at the beginning of June. Under the new rules, the on-field umpires consult with the TV umpire before making any decisions.
You must read Sky Sports’ article on 13th May: ‘Unnecessary’ soft signal to be scrapped in international cricket, ICC confirms
The change aimed to eliminate the confusion and inconclusiveness that sometimes arose from soft signals during referrals of catches. The decision to remove the soft signal was the result of extensive discussions and deliberations by the cricket committee over the past few years, as they concluded that it was unnecessary and often caused confusion.
The catch controversy in the World Test Championship Final highlighted the challenges faced by umpires and the importance of clear decision-making processes. With the soft signal rule no longer in place, every catch is subject to thorough examination and review, ensuring fair and accurate outcomes.
As the game evolves, these changes aim to enhance the integrity and reliability of decision-making in cricket, creating a level playing field for all teams involved.
Also, see:
WTC final: Did Travis Head score because it was Babar’s bat?
