Mitchell Starc shares his thoughts on KL Rahul’s controversial dismissal, saying 'I thought...'

New Delhi: KL Rahul's dismissal sparked debate on the first day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but India managed to stage a remarkable comeback to end the day on a high against Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth. Despite many former cricketers deeming Rahul unlucky after the third umpire overturned the on-field decision, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc refuted any controversy, labeling it as a "regulation wicket".

Rahul (26), who appeared to be the most fluent batter among the Indians, was controversially dismissed after Australia opted for a review off Mitchell Starc’s bowling just before lunch on Day 1 of the first Test.

On-field umpire Richard Kettleborough initially did not give Rahul out, but Australia opted for a review. Third umpire Richard Illingworth overturned the decision after seeing a spike on the snicko, though some believed the spike could have been caused by the bat hitting the pad simultaneously.

Speaking about the controversial call during the post-day press conference, Mitchell Starc said, “It got overturned obviously, but I thought it was regulation, the sound it made, the timing of it, I thought it was just a regulation wicket.”

Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri, commenting on Fox Cricket, stated that there was insufficient evidence for the third umpire to overturn the on-field decision.

“My initial reaction was, was there enough evidence there for the third umpire to overrule what was given. It was not out on the field of play. Did I see enough there for me to be convinced? I didn’t see enough, to be honest,” Shastri said on Fox Cricket.

On Day 1 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India made a remarkable comeback after being bowled out for just 150. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah spearheaded the attack, claiming four wickets to leave Australia struggling at 67/7 by stumps. Despite leading the Australian charge, captain Pat Cummins’ side still trails India by 83 runs.