Controversy Erupts Over Disputed LBW Decision Involving Australian Star Steve Smith

South Africa’s powerful team display, led by their fast bowlers and a remarkable century from Quinton de Kock, established them as strong contenders for the World Cup. They secured a convincing 134-run victory over Australia in Lucknow, propelling them to the top of the group standings. De Kock’s outstanding performance saw him scoring an impressive 109 runs from 106 balls, contributing significantly to South Africa’s formidable total of 311/7. In response, South Africa’s pace bowlers exhibited precision and dismantled Australia’s batting order, causing them to collapse with just 177 runs in 40.5 overs.

On the flip side, Australia seemed to lack a well-defined game plan in their bowling, encountered substantial batting challenges, and showed mediocre fielding by letting go of five catches. The Australian team also found themselves on the wrong side of a couple of disputed umpiring decisions during their batting innings.

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Steve Smith’s Baffling LBW Dismissal and Umpire’s Surprise in Australia vs. South Africa Clash

In an unusual turn of events, Steve Smith, a crucial Australian player, was dismissed LBW in a manner that left the on-field umpire, Joel Garner, surprised. This incident occurred during the 10th over of the game, facing Kagiso Rabada. The fast bowler, as he approached the wicket, bowled a delivery aimed at Smith’s leg, and it appeared that the ball passed outside the leg stump.

In the beginning, the on-field umpire, Garner, stuck with his original decision despite appeals from the South African team. However, when South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, decided to utilize the Decision Review System (DRS), Marnus Labuschagne, positioned as the non-striker, indicated that the ball was veering away from the leg stump. To everyone’s surprise, the ball tracking video revealed an unexpected revelation, suggesting that the ball appeared to be hitting the top of the leg stump.

Upon observing the big screen, this revelation surprised Garner, leading to the reversal of the decision as he realized the necessity to change his initial judgment. Steve Smith also showed bewilderment and commenced a slow walk back to the pavilion.

The 18th over witnessed a controversial scenario as Marcus Stoinis received an out decision after a delivery by Rabada, prompting South Africa to initiate a review. The Ultra Edge technology clearly revealed a noticeable spike, confirming that the ball had made contact with Stoinis’ bottom hand.

However, the source of confusion stemmed from the fact that Stoinis’ upper hand had lost contact with the bat, prompting a debate about whether both the top and bottom hands remained connected to the bat.

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