The Ashes 2025 once again witnessed drama on the second day of the Melbourne Test as Marnus Labuschagne's controversial dismissal became a hot topic. This decision fueled another round of debate regarding umpiring and technology in this series.
Labuschagne was caught out at eight runs by Joe Root in the slips off a Josh Tongue delivery. As England celebrated, the Australian batsman stood firm, prompting an appeal to the third umpire. The subsequent events only intensified the controversy surrounding this Ashes series.
Repeat Performance in Dismissal
This marked the second occasion in the match that Josh Tongue dismissed Labuschagne in a similar fashion. The delivery, pitched outside the off-stump with subtle movement, was cautiously played by Labuschagne, whose defensive attempt saw a faint edge guiding the ball low towards Joe Root in first slip.
Unraveling the Controversy
Root bent swiftly and seemingly snatched the ball just inches from the ground. Replays on the giant screen weren't definitive, with some angles suggesting the ball may have touched the ground prior to reaching Root's hands. This caused differing opinions among spectators, commentators, and players alike.
Read more: Viral video of drunk English players raises questions amid Ashes defeat celebrations.
Following an extensive review, the third umpire ruled Labuschagne out, observing that Root's fingers were beneath the ball at the moment of catch.
This decision left Labuschagne clearly frustrated. As the 'Out' graphic flashed on the screen, he punched the air angrily and walked back to the pavilion, shaking his head. This occurred at a time when Australia relied on him to stabilize the innings, yet his rough patch in the series persisted.
DRS Under Scrutiny Again
This dismissal reignited questions regarding the Decision Review System (DRS) in Australia. The series has already faced harsh criticism over technology, especially inconsistencies with the Snickometer that were a focal point during the Adelaide Test.
Regarding the match’s progress, the contest remained volatile. Despite Australia securing the series 3-0, Melbourne Test showcased dominance from the bowlers of both sides. England's dismissal at 152 due to Josh Tongue's five-wicket haul sparked a comeback, but Australia's bowlers replied by dismissing England for merely 110 runs on day one.
The second day's story continued similarly. Australia's top-order collapse saw them lose six wickets in the morning session, narrowing their lead to just 140 runs.
