NZ vs AUS: Hawkeye under scrutiny after ball tracking technology fails to predict spin

On Day 3 of the first Test between New Zealand and Australia at Basin Reserve in Wellington, Rachin Ravindra survived a close call as the Hawkeye failed to determine the turn of the ball after it hit the youngster on the toe. Notably, after Australia appealed for the dismissal, the on-field umpire gave not-out, but the visitors decided to review it. When it was played on the big screen, it was clear that the ball hit the toe of Ravindra, as no bat was involved.

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Since the ball hit the southpaw's toe on the full, the ball tracking only went on to check the impact, and it was in line, but the ball missed the stumps as the ball tracking technology couldn't determine the nature of the spin. It calculated it as a straight ball, thereby indicating that the ball would have gone on to miss the wickets. The Australian players were in disbelief, but nothing could have been done, as the visitors lost their review. Ravindra (56*), on the other hand, went on to score a brilliant half-century to keep the BlackCaps in the contest.

Ravindra is going to be a superstar: Lyon

Chasing 369 runs, New Zealand lost two early wickets of Tom Latham and Kane Williamson for 35 runs. Soon after that, Will Young too made his way back to the pavilion as the hosts were reduced to 59/3. However, Ravindra took control of the situation and played some brilliant cricket alongside Daryl Mitchell to keep New Zealand alive. Speaking about the same, veteran spinner Lyon lauded Ravindra and stated that he is going to be a superstar.

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“You got to give respect and credit where credit's due, I thought Rachin and Daryl played superb innings there. Rachin seems like a really good player, first time I have bowled to him. Watched a lot of him during the World Cup, and he's going to be a superstar. He played very well there,” said Lyon to India Today.

Meanwhile, New Zealand need 258 runs to win the first Test of the series, while Australia require seven wickets. The hosts' success mostly depends on the trio of Rachin, Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, while Australia would look for Lyon to step up once again as he has picked six wickets so far in the match.