Watch: The controversial DRS decision that went in favor of Nathan Lyon

If the prospect of the first ever day-night Test match wasn’t exciting enough, the second day saw some controversy unravel. After the Kiwis set up a meagre first innings total of 202, the Aussies in reply were in tatters with most of their batters back in the hut.

The score was 118/8 when Nathan Lyon who was still to open his account then, tried to sweep a Mitchell Santner delivery. The ball lobbed up to Kane Williamson at gully as all the fielders appealed for a catch in unison. Umpire S Ravi though felt it hadn’t taken anything on its way and he adjudged it not out. New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum asked for a review as they felt Lyon had top edged it. The video depicts how the drama ensued after that.

Third umpire Nigel Llong then took repeated views of the Hot Spot which clearly showed a mark on the bat as the ball passed. As the proceedings were being shown on the giant screen in the ground everyone including Lyon himself believed it was going to be ruled out.

The batsmen had already started walking. But to everyone’s surprise, the third umpire wasn’t convinced enough. He after looking at the real-time-snicko and slow motion replays despite the Hot Spot evidence communicated to the on-field umpire S Ravi that he was unable to find any conclusive evidence to revert the original decision. Lyon remained not out and went on to score a crucial 34.

This obviously became one of the talking points of the match, all the more as it went on to have such a significant effect on the result of the match. Ross Taylor on behalf of the Kiwis said in a press conference that the entire team was confident that it was out. Later the ICC also admitted that the right protocols regarding the DRS were followed, but the incorrect decision was made.

Watch: The controversial DRS decision that went in favor of Nathan Lyon:

Written by Jishnu Bhattacharyya