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TV umpire under scrutiny in WI vs AUS Test as former cricketers question Adrian Holdstock's decisions: 'Everything has gone against West Indians'
TV umpire Adrian Holdstock has come under fire from former West Indian and Australian cricketers for his 'unfortunate' decision-making. West Indies coach Darren Sammy also criticised Holdstock's inconsistency. read more
TV umpire Adrian Holdstock is facing criticism from fans, experts and commentators after his controversial decisions to give West Indies batter Roston Chase and Shai Hope out on Day 2 of the first Test against Australia at the Kensington Oval, Barbados.
Adrian Holdstock of South Africa had already been questioned by the cricket fraternity for making a contentious decision on Day 1 of the West Indies vs Australia 1st Test. An appeal against Travis Head for caught behind was turned down by Holdstock as he felt there wasn't sufficient evidence to prove the ball had carried.
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Umpiring controversy erupts in WI vs AUS Test match
On Day 2, the controversy became even bigger as Holdstock upheld an on-field decision to give Roston Chase out. Chase was outfoxed by a Pat Cummins ball that stayed low and hit him on the pads. After being given out LBW, Chase referred it upstairs, but Holdstock upheld the decision. He felt there was a clear gap between bat and pad, but former West Indian pacer and commentator Ian Bishop felt that the ball had nicked the bat.
Bat first or pad first? 🤔
Roston Chase given OUT… but UltraEdge had a spike.
Should that have been given out?#WIvsAUS pic.twitter.com/DaitLZhXPm — FanCode (@FanCode) June 26, 2025
'I disagree with the decision, I disagree with the technology, I thought he hit that but somehow, it's worked against Roston Chase,' Bishop said.
'I feel sorry for the officiating team there, in my view that should clearly have been not out. I apologise to the officials, but I'm in total disagreement, as he [Chase] is in bewilderment. You see a deflection, a change of direction of the ball as it approaches the bat.
'If you've watched the game for long enough, you can see it. If you're new to the game, maybe you don't notice it.'
Shai Hope's dismissal also added to the controversy. He was caught behind by Alex Carey, but replays suggested that the ball may not have carried.
Caught or did the ball touch the ground? 🫣
Windies are furious with that decision. What's your call? ☝️ or ❌#WIvAUS pic.twitter.com/6evBQGk7vq — FanCode (@FanCode) June 26, 2025
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'There are not many fans of [third umpire] Adrian Holdstock in the West Indies at the moment,' former West Indies player Carlos Brathwaite said on air as Hope walked back after a controversial decision.
Former West Indian spinner Samuel Badree claimed that all the decisions are going against the West Indies. 'It's unfortunate, it really is unfortunate,' Samuel Badree told ESPN. 'It feels as though everything has gone against the West Indians.'
Badree's claims have also been supported by former Australian player Greg Blewett, who acknowledged that the decision-making was not clear.
'I felt like the third umpire had some really tough decisions to make,' Blewett said on ESPN. 'A lot of them weren't really clear decisions; it was down to a bit of interpretations.
'I think Australia got on the right end of the decisions.'
West Indies coach Sammy questions TV umpire
Meanwhile, West Indies coach Daren Sammy questioned Holdstock and his decision-making at the end of Day 2's play. He said that the umpire needs to be consistent across all dismissals.
'We are just trying to find some sort of understanding as to what the process is,' Sammy said. 'We only hope for consistency. That's all we could ask for. When there is doubt in something, just be consistent across the board.
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'I have noticed, especially with this particular umpire, it's something that for me started in England. It's frustrating. I just ask for consistency in the decision-making.'
West Indies were bowled out for 190 on Day 2 in reply to Australia's 180. The visitors ended the Day 2 on 92/4 and currently enjoy a lead of 82 runs.
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