Umpiring Controversies

Soft Signal Controversy — Washington Sundar Catch

5-9 March 2021India vs England4th Test, India vs England, Ahmedabad1 min readSeverity: Moderate

Summary

The on-field umpire's 'soft signal' of out for a Ben Stokes catch that appeared to have been grassed was upheld by the third umpire, sparking fury over the soft signal rule.

What Happened

During the fourth Test between India and England, Ben Stokes took a low catch to dismiss Washington Sundar. The on-field umpire gave a soft signal of out, and the decision was referred to the third umpire.

Replays were inconclusive from the available angles — it was impossible to definitively tell whether the ball had carried or bounced before reaching Stokes' hands. Under DRS protocols, the third umpire must go with the on-field soft signal unless there is "clear and obvious" evidence to overturn it.

The decision caused outrage in India. The soft signal rule was seen as fundamentally flawed — how could an umpire standing 60 metres away give a definitive signal on a catch that even multiple camera angles couldn't resolve? Indian captain Virat Kohli was visibly frustrated.

The controversy intensified calls to abolish the soft signal for catches. The ICC eventually removed the soft signal from DRS protocols in 2022, acknowledging that on-field umpires are often not in the best position to judge low catches.

⚖️ The Verdict

Decision stood but ICC subsequently removed the soft signal rule from DRS protocols in 2022.

Tags

#soft signal#drs#catch#third umpire#ahmedabad

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