DRS, Mitchell Starc fails to review two Rohit Sharma layoffs in first pass, News, Results, Videos, Reactions, Highlights

It took just one ball for Australia’s struggles to hit a new low in India, with Australia not looking back as Mitch Starc shoved Rohit Sharma behind goalkeeper Alex Carey.

Three balls later, Starc slammed the ball into Sharma’s pads as the Aussies went upstairs as one claiming LBW. Again it was denied – and again the Australians failed to review a decision that ball tracking technology would have shown had it been out.

Australia’s failure to review any of the decisions was a simply disastrous start to the third Test at Indore after the hosts won both of the first two Tests.

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There seemed to be a distinct sound as the ball tickled the bat on the opening ball.

Matthew Hayden commented: “If he stole that, it’s an absolutely terrible start for Australia.”

And the moment Snicko showed a clear edge, he was horrified, saying, “You’re going to be horrified, absolutely horrified!”

After Australia’s very poor record of using the scoring system in the second test – all three scores were burned early – it was somewhat understandable that they were reluctant to pull the trigger in the very first run. And with regular captain Pat Cummins absent, it was up to Steve Smith to make the final call.

Hayden said, “The suffering continues.”

“We also have to question the referee’s decision,” Hayden added. “There was nothing but bats, so I was surprised they didn’t check it out. Maybe they’ve gotten a little gun-shy.”

But there was also plenty of criticism for referee Nitin Menon, who took charge in his 17th friendly at his home stadium.

And when Australia were denied a wicket in the fourth ball and again unable to check, Hayden said: “The Hawkeye managed to absolutely smash the top of the stump.”

Luckily, Australia quickly hit back by sacking Rohit for just 12 when he was stumped in sixth over-off spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.