Why third umpire gave Shreyas Iyer second life despite Sean Abbott’s catch?

Shreyas Iyer survives catch after Sean Abbott grounds the ball.

Why third umpire gave Shreyas Iyer second life despite Sean Abbott’s catch?

Sean Abbott catches the ball, but grounds it (Image via Sports18)

After scoring his century, Shreyas Iyer was visibly tired. As he scored his century, his hand started cramping due to the heat and humidity of Indore. Two balls later, Iyer went to defend a ball, but played it with hard hands. This caused the ball to pop off the bat and go to the right of Sean Abbott, the bowler. 

Abbott made the dive and caught the ball but made a major mistake. While landing, he let the ball touch the ground. The umpires referred the catch to the third umpire, who then decided to give Shreyas Iyer a second life. The third umpire, KN Ananthapadmanabhan, concluded that although Abbott had caught the ball, he didn’t have full control of it when it touched the ground. This is the rules according Section 33.3 of the Laws of Cricket. Iyer hit the next ball for a boundary and then gifted his wicket to Abbott, finishing his innings with 105 runs.

YouTube video

The commentators referred that call to the catch Mitchell Starc took of Ben Duckett in the Ashes, but it wasn’t given due to the same law. Ben Duckett went on to score 83 runs, Australia won the match by 43 runs. 

Related: “India is ticking every box right before the World cup”- Fans react as Shreyas Iyer roars back to form with stunning ton

While Australia chase down mammoth target, rain interrupts their chase

After Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill set up India’s innings well, the Indian middle order started an onslaught of the Australian bowling attack. KL Rahul scored a half century and finished his innings with 52 runs off 38. Ishan Kishan scored a quickfire 31 but the star of the middle order was Suryakumar Yadav. Coming in to bat with 10 overs left, SKY scored 72 off 37 balls, with him hitting Cameron Green for four consecutive sixes. India scored 399 runs in their 50 overs. 

Q 1695570200
Prasidh Krishna picks up 2 wickets in his first over (Image via ESPN)

Australia started off poorly, losing opener Matthew Short and Captain Steve Smith in the 2nd over to Prasidh Krishna. Australia have batted 9 overs, with 56/2 on the board. Australia currently need 317 runs in 33 overs, with David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne batting.

In case you missed: