Ben Stokes blames technology for Zak Crawley's dismissal in 2nd Ind vs Eng Test
The dismissal became a focal point of controversy
England captain Ben Stokes believes that Zak Crawley's dismissal in the second innings of the Vizag Test on February 5 was a moment when technology incorrectly influenced the decision.
Crawley's dismissal in the second innings of the Vizag Test against India became a focal point of controversy. The English opener was confidently batting at 73 runs from 132 balls, leading England's pursuit of a formidable target of 399 runs.
However, his promising innings was abruptly halted by a contentious LBW decision involving Kuldeep Yadav's delivery. Initially deemed not out by the on-field umpire, the decision was overturned after India's review revealed the ball tracking towards the stumps. This surprised fans and commentators who believed the impact seemed outside the leg stump.
The review proved successful for the Indian team and paved the way for more wickets. England struggled to form partnerships after Crawley's dismissal, and Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin each claimed three wickets, securing a 108-run victory for the hosts.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Stokes was questioned about the incident and asserted that, ultimately, the wrong decision had been made.
“My personal opinion is that the technology has gone wrong on this occasion. That’s where I stand on it,” the England captain said when questioned about the decision.
“Technology in the game is obviously there and everyone has an understanding of the reasons it can never be 100 per cent. That’s why we have the ‘umpire’s call’, that’s why it’s in place."
“So when it’s not 100 per cent, I don’t think it’s unfair for someone to say ‘I think the technology has got it wrong’. I will say that, but in a game full of ifs, buts and maybes I am not going to say that’s the reason why we haven’t got the result we wanted.
“You can’t really do much with things that have been and gone. You can’t really overturn a decision that has been made.”
India and England will now lock horns in the third Test in Rajkot, which will start from February 15.
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