Umpire Kumar Dharmasena’s signal has helped England from potentially losing a DRS on day 01 of the 5th test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Sri Lanka umpire found himself at the centre of criticism over an unexpected gesture on day 01 of the 5th Test between India and England at the Kennington Oval.

He hinted at an inside edge as England pacer Josh Tongue put up a strong LBW appeal against Sai Sudharsan. His signal has prevented England from taking a review on the appeal, much to the disappointment of the Visistors’ fans.

The Umpires aren’t physically allowed to specify the reason behind their decision to turn down an appeal. If the players’ aren’t happy with the umpire’s call they can have the decision to review DRS.

Speaking of the gesture, former India batter and coach Sanjay Bangar has said that Dharmasena probably signalled an ‘inside edge’ because of his old habits, since he has been officiating from a time since DRS didn’t exist.

“These habits don’t go away easily for umpires because it’s second nature to them. Whenever there is an appeal, you try to say it. Because when Dharmasena had started his umpiring career, there was no DRS then.”

“But now, you are not supposed to give a signal on what’s going on in your mind. Or else, the bowler and the bowling team gets a sort of a hint on what’s going on in the umpire’s mind. The umpire should not have done that,” he said.

Replays showed that the ball struck Sudharsan’s bat before he fell to the ground and Dharmasena’s mistake saw England not to go for the review.

Meanwhile, renowned India umpire Anil Chaudhary rushed to Kumar Dharmasena defence. Speaking to the media, he pointed out it happened ‘by mistake’.

“It just happens by mistake. No umpire at that level will do it deliberately, hence it just happens by accident. It also sometimes happens with us in domestic matches, as it happens in a flow. But you have to be very careful, especially in the 15-second with the DRS,” concluded Anil Chaudhary.