Former Australian head coach Darren Lehmann has launched a scathing attack on Cricket Australia (CA) over its decision to refuse the use of the hotspot technology after the controversial dismissal of KL Rahul on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test in Perth between India and Australia.
The KL Rahul incident, which sparked fierce debate among the fans and cricket experts, saw third umpire Richard Illingworth overturn the on-field umpire’s not-out decision, despite a lack of clear evidence, and the Indian opener KL Rahul had to leave the field with frustration at the Optus Stadium.
Darren Lehmann slams Cricket Australia (CA) for refusing Hot Spot technology in KL Rahul’s controversial dismissal
KL Rahul, who had battled hard through 74 balls for his 26 runs, was caught behind off Mitchell Starc. Replays showed a sound as the ball passed KL Rahul’s bat, but it was unclear whether it had hit the bat or the front pad first.
A decision that got everyone talking! 😳
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The absence of a hot spot, a key tool in such situations, left fans and commentators, including Darren Lehmann, questioning the fairness of the controversial decision. Darren Lehmann blasted Cricket Australia (CA) for failing to make the technology available, arguing that the lack of a hot spot led to an unclear and potentially unfair decision.
Read Also: Mitchell Starc breaks silence on KL Rahul’s controversial dismissal in Perth Test
Cricket Australia (CA) should’ve paid for the hotspot: Darren Lehmann
Lehmann emphasized that broadcasters, both TV and radio, are already paying hefty sums for broadcasting rights, so CA must invest in ensuring that the technology is accessible for such crucial moments.
Darren Lehmann said on commentary for ABC Sport: “CA should’ve actually paid for the hotspot; then you’d have no problems there. I just think we should have a hot spot, and I’m not worried about the cost. Broadcasters, both TV and radio, are paying the money for the broadcasting rights, so they’ve got the money there to do it. If we’re going to have big crowds and big nations playing, pay for it, work it out, and get the right result.”
The former Australian coach, who left the job after the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town, also highlighted the potential consequences of the lack of a hot spot in a high-stakes scenario.
Furthermore, Lehmann pointed out that in such a situation, where every decision matters, not having access to accurate technology like hot spots could affect the integrity of the game.
“If they’re just saving money for the sake of saving money…”
He mentioned that if cost was the issue, CA should be transparent about it. Lehmann said that if CA is saving money for grassroots cricket development or women’s cricket, then it’s fine but made it clear that cutting corners to save money without a valid cause is unacceptable.
Lehmann signed off by saying, “Think about this in a crunch fifth Test decider in Sydney, both teams playing for a World Test Championship spot, for example, and that happens, and you haven’t got Hot Spot. If it’s a cost issue, come out and say it’s a cost issue, which I imagine it must be.
I can understand the cash (answer) if the money they’re saving is going into grassroots cricket or developing the women’s game. I’m OK with that sort of stuff, but if they’re just saving money for the sake of saving money…”