Sharfuddoula backed by experts on Jaiswal decision

Experts have supported Bangladeshi third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat after his controversial decision to dismiss Yashasvi Jaiswal during Australia's 184-run victory over India in the fourth and penultimate Test in Melbourne on Monday.

With India struggling to save the Test at 140-6 in the final session, chasing a daunting target of 340, Jaiswal attempted to pull a short ball from Pat Cummins. The ball appeared to faintly deflect to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. On-field umpire Joel Wilson initially ruled it not out, but Australia reviewed the decision. While Ultra Edge showed no clear contact, replays revealed a visible deflection. Sharfuddoula overturned the decision, citing the deflection as sufficient evidence to dismiss Jaiswal, who had top-scored for India with 84.

"I can see the ball has made contact with the gloves. Joel, you need to change your decision," Sharfuddoula told on-field umpire Wilson.

Simon Taufel, the respected former Australian umpire, supported the decision.

"The third umpire did make the correct decision in the end. With the technology protocols, we do have a hierarchy of redundancy, and the umpire sees a clear deflection off the bat; there is no need to go any further and use any other form of technology to prove the case."

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting also endorsed the ruling.

"They can make of it what they like. It clearly hit the glove, and I caught it at the time. Jaiswal actually started to walk. Snicko hasn't proved it to be correct. But the umpire picked up the deflection and froze it where the ball was on the end of the glove."

"As far as I'm concerned, there's no argument whatsoever," Ponting added.

Former India player and coach Ravi Shastri also shared his views during commentary, noting that he too believed the ball had deflected off the bat.

Jaiswal's dismissal was a pivotal moment, as India collapsed, losing their final four wickets for just 15 runs, ultimately being bowled out for 155 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Cummins, with figures of 3-28, spearheaded the Australian attack, giving the hosts a 2-1 series lead with one match to play in the Border-Gavaskar Test series.

However, former India player Sunil Gavaskar expressed concerns about the use of technology in decision-making, reflecting the frustrations of Indian fans.

"If the evidence of the technology is not to be taken, why have it at all? That is something that would definitely be the query as far as the Indians are concerned," said the cricket legend.