Cricket fans were left furious after a shocking umpiring decision in the 2nd Test between India and England sparked massive controversy and reignited the debate around inconsistent officiating in international cricket. The flashpoint came late on Day 3, when Indian batter Shreyas Iyer was adjudged LBW to a delivery from James Anderson — a call many experts and viewers slammed as a howler that could have huge implications for the match result.
The incident unfolded when Anderson bowled a sharp in-cutter that appeared to hit Iyer on the front pad, but live footage and replays suggested a clear inside edge onto the pad. Despite the obvious deviation seen in slow motion, the on-field umpire raised his finger instantly, stunning Iyer and leaving Indian players in disbelief. Iyer reviewed the decision immediately, but in a dramatic twist, UltraEdge technology failed to show a spike — a rare glitch that left the third umpire with no option but to stick with the on-field call, sending Iyer back to the pavilion.
The decision sparked instant outrage on social media. Hashtags like #UmpireFail and #JusticeForIyer began trending on X (formerly Twitter) within minutes, with fans across the world slamming the officiating. Former players, too, weighed in, with VVS Laxman calling it “a shocking decision that should never happen at this level,” while Michael Vaughan admitted it was “very unlucky for India and a poor advertisement for the game.”
The controversy deepened as many questioned how technology could fail at such a crucial moment in a high-stakes Test. With India already under pressure trying to set a defendable target, the controversial LBW dismissal only compounded their woes, shifting momentum firmly towards England.
The heated debate has also reignited calls for reforms in the Decision Review System (DRS) and the need for more accountability for on-field umpires, especially when clear errors have the potential to alter the course of a match. Fans are demanding the ICC investigate the incident, arguing that a Test match of this magnitude deserves better standards of officiating.
As Day 4 looms, all eyes will be on whether India can overcome this setback and turn the tide, or if the controversial decision proves a decisive blow in England’s favor.