Major blunder by Mohammad Salim Safi in the India-Afghanistan test; walked back without taking a review on an LBW decision.
This incident occurred in the 58th over on the third day of the match. A strong LBW appeal was made against Mohammad Salim Safi off the bowling of Indian spinner Manav Suthar.
On-field umpire Richard Illingworth raised his finger without any hesitation. Safi initially considered taking a review but then suddenly started walking towards the pavilion.
After returning to the pavilion, Safi was seen engaged in a heated argument with his teammates and support staff.
Footage captured by the cameras clearly showed that he was being questioned as to why he did not use the DRS, especially when he seemed interested in doing so.
This entire episode became a major lesson for the visiting team regarding the correct use of DRS.
The atmosphere in the dugout became quite tense, as the team had lost a crucial wicket that could have been saved.
When the replay was shown on the big screen, the disappointment of the Afghanistan team grew. Ball-tracking revealed that the ball had pitched outside the leg stump.
According to the rules, a batsman cannot be given out LBW if the ball pitches outside the leg stump.
Had Safi taken the review, the on-field umpire's decision would have certainly been overturned, and he would have been not out.
With this wicket, Manav Suthar, playing his first Test, claimed his sixth wicket of the innings.
It turned out to be a memorable debut for the 23-year-old left-arm spinner. He dismantled the Afghan batting lineup with his brilliant bowling.
The entire Afghanistan team was bowled out for just 152 runs in their first innings, after which India forced them to follow-on. This incident was a forgettable moment for Safi and a lucky one for Suthar.
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