Explainer: What is the 'three-metre rule' that saved India opener Shubman Gill against Nathan Lyon?

The ongoing fourth Test between India and Australia witnessed an intriguing event when Nathan Lyon was denied Shubman Gill's wicket via an LBW (Leg Before Wicket) dismissal. The incident happened during India's 18th over when one of Lyon's delivery hit Gill on his pad.

The on-field umpire Richard Kettleborough adjudged him not out and the Aussies were quick to use the Decision Review System (DRS) and send it upstairs to the third umpire to have a look.

The third umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal had a good look at the appeal and upheld the decision. Now, the decision left Lyon and the Aussies bemused as to how Gill was adjudged not out. 

The theory behind the decision is not that difficult to comprehend. Gill was adjudged not out because of the 'three-metre rule' coming into play. The point of impact when the ball struck Gill's pad was more than three metres (distance for the ball to travel and hit the stumps). 

Gill was way forward and since the ball had to travel more than three metres to have any contact with the stumps, the on-field umpire gave the decision in Gill's favour and the third umpire also validated the same because of the three metre rule. 

Anna 24GhanteChaukanna@Anna24GhanteCh2

11:42 AM · Mar 11, 2023

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Tug of war continues in Ahmedabad Test

India are currently behind Australia by more than 200 runs and have only seven wickets left in their kitty. Shubman Gill played some really good cricket on Day 3 and scored his second Test century. Gill scored 128 before getting out to Lyon. His innings included 12 fours and one six.

Skipper Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara got starts and scored 35 and 42 but failed to capitalise on the same and make the most of their impressive beginnings. Currently, India have their hopes pinned on their batting maestro Virat Kohli and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The duo needs to reduce the deficit as much as possible and then hand the hosts a sizeable lead to come back into the contest.

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