'Check His Bank Statements': Big 3rd Umpire Controversy Grips WI-AUS 1st Test

'Check His Bank Statements': Big 3rd Umpire Controversy Grips WI-AUS 1st Test

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News18.com

Last Updated: June 27, 2025, 08:46 IST

The exciting Australia-West Indies 1st Test has been marred by third-umpire's controversial mistakes, including this catch from Alex Carey against Shai Hope.

Alex Carey's controversial catch off Shai Hope. (PC: X)

Third umpire Adrian Holdstock took most of the headlines in the exciting second day of the first Test between Australia and the West Indies on Thursday (June 26) as multiple controversial calls altered the direction of the contest at the Kensington Oval, Barbados.

There were at least four decisions that caused a storm on social media. The biggest one was Alex Carey’s catch of Shai Hope. The right-hander was given out for 48 after the Australian wicketkeeper celebrated taking a one-handed chance low to his left off the inside edge. However, the on-field umpires requested that Holdstock check it, with replays showing the ball clearly brushing the ground while still in Carey’s hands.

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Holdstock still awarded the dismissal, much to the chagrin of West Indies coach Darren Sammy, who was seen frustrated in the dressing room.

Check the controversial catch here:

Another big call by the third umpire! 🧤The Aussies are back in after dismissing the West Indies, but this catch caused a stir… out or not out? Catch every ball of Australia’s tour of the West Indies exclusively live on ESPN on Disney+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/QwFue3FN5n — ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) June 26, 2025

On the first day, Travis Head was given the benefit of the doubt in a similar moment when Hope, the wicketkeeper, caught him off Shamar Joseph’s bowling. Umpire Adrian Holdstock was heard saying that he could find ‘no clear replays, which suggest that the ball has gone straight into Hope’s gloves.’

The controversies were compounded when Roston Chase’s LBW call went against the Windies too, although the skipper was earlier saved by the third umpire, with a decision that left the Australians disappointed. X (formerly Twitter) buzzed by Holdstock’s name for hours.

“Who on earth is the third umpire!?!? Has he ever played cricket? Genuinely shocking," one user said.

“Absolute Horrendous umpiring by the third umpire Adrian Holdstock .. unlucky West Indies and Shai Hope .. that’s not a clean catch .. fullstop #AUSvsWI," another added.

Check some other reactions here:

Didn’t think we’d have Sydney 2008 level of incompetence ever again, but that’s 4 howlers from the same third umpire Adrian Holdstock. Time to make this a specialised position instead of rotating between in-person umps who are clearly unfit at adapting to lower quality production https://t.co/GSBZwyIFt5— raghavbikh.bsky.social (@raghav_bikh) June 26, 2025

The first is not out and the other two are outWest Indies robbed in daylight by 3rd umpire Adrian Holdstock Never seen worse umpiring decisions in the last 10 years or so with technology available Unacceptable pic.twitter.com/6DSC9HM1OJ — Middle Class Chandler (@MC_Chandler01) June 26, 2025

Should be walking off, the Windies. Shouldn’t be playing with this level of umpiring. The Test has turned on its head with the kind of decisions that has been made. Howler after howler. I get on-field umpires making a few errors, but with tech and replays, nah, can’t be making so…— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) June 26, 2025

I’m actually 100% serious this third umpire needs removing from this game NOW, Carey has so obviously grassed that and surprise surprise the Aussies are cheating, same old 👍— Alasdair 🇳🇦🇳🇿 (@Alasdair333) June 26, 2025

Have no clue what the third umpire is watching.@ICC has to be more vigilant. Humans yes, but they are operating with the help of technology.Way too many questionable calls. https://t.co/fdGIFNb0j3 — Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) June 26, 2025

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This third umpire’s bank statements need checking— ⛷️ (@stokaljona) June 26, 2025

The visitors ended the day at 92/4, 82 runs ahead in the second innings, with the Test heading towards a possible three-day finish.

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Location : Barbados

First Published: June 27, 2025, 08:46 IST

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