A major controversy erupted into the first test match between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Tuesday (August 18) during Sri Lanka’s second innings as Manav Suthar’s dismissal of Lahiru Udara divided opinions, with Dhruv Jurel’s catch at second slip under the scanner as the home team lost their fourth wicket while aiming to chase a mammoth total of 373 in the fourth innings.

On the fourth delivery of the 22nd over, Udara (16 of 58) edged a delivery from Suthar. Jurel, who was standing at second slip in an unconventional bend-down posture, collected the ball as India celebrated the wicket. However, the player was not sure if the catch was clean, and the on-field umpires referred the decision upstairs.

After taking a look at multiple replays, the third umpire Raveendra Wimalasir decided to uphold the on-field call and signalled out. The decision sparked anger in the Sri Lankan camp. Udara was evidently shocked and made his feelings known to the on-field match officials. The home team’s coaching staff was also evidently furious at the decision.

Several cricket fans on social media were also not convinced of the decision and claimed that there was not enough evidence to declare it out, with several replays indicating that Jurel did not claim the catch cleanly and the ball was touching the ground. Usually as a norm, the benefit of the doubt goes to the batters in such situations.

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Earlier in the day, Jurel’s own dismissal has sparked debate as several people questioned if ultra-edge was used correctly after the batter edged a delivery to the wicket-keeper batter

Meanwhile, India are on the cusp of sealing victory in the Galle Test after taking four wickets before stumps on Day 4. Despite rain stopping the game multiple times so far, the Shubman Gill-led side needs only six wickets to seal victory on the final day.