WI vs AUS 2025: Daren Sammy meets match referee after contentious TV umpiring decisions

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed his frustration over multiple controversial DRS decisions that went against his team during the first two days of the opening Test against Australia in Barbados. Sammy approached match referee Javagal Srinath, asking for clarity and accountability regarding the third umpire’s decisions, particularly those made by TV umpire Adrian Holdstock.

The first Test of the Frank Worrell Trophy at Kensington Oval sees Australia leading by 82 runs at stumps on Day 2. However, the match has witnessed a string of controversial decisions, around UltraEdge and lbw referrals. The former Windies skipper-turned-coach expressed his anger in the post-day press conference. Sammy pointed out several incidents. One of the most important moments was the lbw dismissal of Roston Chase, who was adjudged out to a Pat Cummins delivery despite a visible spike on UltraEdge. 

"I have noticed, especially with this particular umpire, it's something that for me started in England. It's frustrating. I just ask for consistency in the decision-making. In our opinion, we saw the ball deviated onto the pad. I'm just saying, judge what you see. If you see the same thing and one is not out, there is even more doubt on the other than you give it out. Again, I don't know what he's seen but from the images that we've seen, the decisions are not fair enough for both teams. We're all humans. Mistakes will be made. I just want fairness," Sammy said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

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Another incident occurred when Shai Hope was caught behind off Beau Webster. The ball appeared to touch the ground as Alex Carey completed a one-handed catch, but Holdstock ruled it clean. 

"Yeah, look, you don't want to get yourself in a situation where you're wondering about certain umpires. Is there something against this team? But when you see decision after decision, then it raises the question. I know he's here for the series. You don't want to go in a Test match having that doubt. So I want to have that conversation as to the process... so we could be all clear. Because, at the end of the day, you don't want to be going into a Test match not trusting the umpires. And that's not what our team is about. So we're just looking for some clarity as to the decisions," he added.

Moreover, Cameron Green survived an lbw appeal when replays displayed a possible bat and pad contact. A small spike showed on UltraEdge, with Holdstock ruling it as bat hitting the ball first to confirm the on-field not-out decision. Notably, ball-tracking later showed all three reds. Sammy also pointed out concerns in the application of DRS, questioning the accuracy and synchronization of Ultra Edge and replay footage. 

"We know the rules. We know fines going all across the board. I don't want them to focus on that. Yes, we're kind of shooting ourselves in the foot by dropping so many catches, but look at the Test match, against our own selves, some of these decisions and we're still in a position to win," he concluded.