Umpiring controversies rock Australia-West Indies Test as DRS decisions spark uproar

West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph (AP Photo)

The ongoing first Test between Australia and the West Indies in Barbados has come under intense scrutiny — not for on-field brilliance, but for a string of questionable third umpire decisions that have left the cricketing world stunned. At the center of the storm is third umpire Adrian Holdstock, whose decisions on Day 2 of the Frank Worrell Trophy opener have ignited confusion, disbelief, and mounting frustration among players, experts, and fans alike.

It wasn’t just the players on the field or those in the dressing rooms. It wasn’t just the coaches, commentators, or journalists. Everyone present at the Kensington Oval — and countless others watching from around the world — were left scratching their heads, bewildered by what was unfolding in the TV umpire’s room.

Confusion reigned supreme as controversial decisions piled up, and even the on-field umpires, through their hesitant gestures and puzzled expressions, appeared just as baffled. The Decision Review System (DRS), meant to bring clarity, instead became the epicenter of uncertainty, leaving the cricketing fraternity collectively searching for answers.

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In total, five controversial decisions emerged throughout the day, the first of which involved Australian batter Travis Head. West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph seemingly drew an edge from Head’s bat that was cleanly taken by wicketkeeper Shai Hope. However, despite replays appearing to confirm the catch, Holdstock ruled the batter not out, citing a lack of “conclusive evidence” to overturn the on-field call. This decision set the tone for a day riddled with officiating debates.

Travis Head Given not out...pic.twitter.com/Ljv1LItNZy

— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) June 25, 2025

During West Indies’ first innings, Roston Chase was adjudged LBW — a decision he immediately reviewed, believing he had edged the ball. However, due to the close proximity of bat and pad, the UltraEdge showed faint spikes, which third umpire Adrian Holdstock interpreted as inconclusive, thus upholding the on-field decision. Commentator Ian Bishop noted on-air that there appeared to be a slight deviation as the ball passed the bat, suggesting a possible edge.

Roston Chase LBW Controversy:

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UltraEdge shows a clear spike as the ball passes the bat, but the visuals and sound are completely out of sync!

In a game ruled by fine margins, we deserve better tech. #ausvswestindies #AusvsWi #WIvsAUS #CricketNews#RostonChase pic.twitter.com/xy8pxz5l9T

— Sports Shastra (@SportShastra) June 26, 2025

The controversy didn’t end there. Just eight overs after Chase’s dismissal, Hope fell for 48 after Australian keeper Alex Carey pulled off a brilliant low one-handed catch off the inside edge. While the on-field umpires signalled for the third umpire to confirm the legitimacy of the catch, Holdstock ruled in Australia’s favour despite slow-motion replays suggesting that the ball may have grazed the turf while remaining in Carey’s glove. West Indies head coach Darren Sammy was visibly frustrated, seen throwing his hands in the air in disbelief as the crowd echoed his discontent.

Absolute Horrendous umpiring by the third umpire Adrian Holdstock .. unlucky West Indies and Shai Hope .. that’s not a clean catch .. fullstop #AUSvsWI pic.twitter.com/2Fs4SDapgh

— Egan Steven Dantis (@Iamegandantis) June 26, 2025

Another contentious moment unfolded during Australia’s second innings. Cameron Green was given not out after an LBW appeal by Justin Greaves, which West Indies reviewed. With bat, pad, and ball all in close contact, replays appeared to show the ball brushing the front pad before the bat hit the back pad flap, eventually making contact with the ball. However, Holdstock concluded that the UltraEdge spike came from bat-on-ball contact and ruled in the batter’s favour once again.

With the majority of marginal decisions going against his side, an exasperated Sammy didn't mince words at the end-of-day press conference.

"I'm just saying, judge what you see," Sammy said after Day 2. "If you see the same thing and one is not out, there is even more doubt on the other than you give it out. Again, I don't know what he's seen but from the images that we've seen, the decisions are not fair enough for both teams. We're all humans. Mistakes will be made. I just want fairness."

When asked if West Indies might file an official complaint, Sammy replied, “You’ll have to wait and see.”

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True to his word, Sammy met with match referee Javagal Srinath after play to seek clarification. He also raised past concerns with Holdstock’s officiating, pointing to inconsistencies during the recent ODI series in England, where Holdstock had officiated in both on-field and TV roles.

During the 2019 Ashes, umpires Joel Wilson and Chris Gaffaney were dropped for the final two Tests after a spate of controversial calls. Holdstock now finds himself in similar situation, with not just West Indies but also Australia’s Mitchell Starc commenting on the quality of officiating.

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"There's been some interesting ones," Starc said in the press-conference. "Obviously a couple more have gone against the West Indies than us. One for us (against Chase) looked like there was a gap between the bat and the ball, it cost us 40-odd runs, but then a contentious one to then get the wicket."

With both camps now openly questioning the third umpire’s judgment, all eyes will be on how the rest of the match —and the series — unfolds, not just for the teams, but for Adrian Holdstock as well.