Watch: Australia A opener Marcus Harris got a reprieve after he was given not out despite apparently edging India A off-spinner Tanush Kotian to slip during day two of the second unofficial Test in Melbourne.
Kotian, bowling the 43rd over of Australia’s first innings from around the wicket, pitched a ball on leg-stump. Harris, trying to nudge it off his pads, seemingly edged it to the first slip fielder, who pouched it comfortably. The tourists were celebrating, only to see the umpire was unmoved. They were in disbelief as Kotian gestured with his hands that the ball had come off Harris’ bat.
"Edge and he’s out. No he’s not! The Indians cannot believe it. Umpire Mike Graham-Smith is unmoved. To the naked eye, it looked like a genuine edge. Harris stood his ground," the commentator said on air.
In a viral video of the incident posted on social media later, former Australia all-rounder Daniel Christian tagged Stuart Broad, who got a lot of flak for refusing to walk when he had clearly edged a ball to slip in the 2013 Ashes. Broad quipped, "I'd have walked for that", leaving everyone in splits.
Former India batter Aakash Chopra, meanwhile, questioned, "How’s this Not-Out????", while Victorian Cricket Team, Harris' state side, wrote, "Nothing to see here."
Having survived the close call, Harris, batting then on 48, reached his half-century before being caught behind by Prasidh Krishna on 74.
He is one of the batters in contention for an opening spot in Australia’s Test team for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy left vacant by David Warner's retirement. Cameron Bancroft and 19-year-old prodigy Sam Konstas, both of whom are playing the red-ball match, are also auditioning for the role, along with the Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney.
Australia made 223 in response to India’s 161 in the first innings. For the visitors, Prasidh Krishna picked up 4-50.
Watch Marcus Harris given not out despite 'genuine edge'
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