‘Cheat cheat cheat’: India fume after Cameron Green catch controversy

Boos and an ugly chant rang out around The Oval after Cameron Green plucked another classic catch that left Indian fans filthy.

Cameron Green plucked another classic. Picture: Channel 7

Australia is seven wickets away from the World Test Championship crown but India fans were claiming a robbery after a controversial moment on day four at The Oval.

The Aussies set India a chase of 444 after declaring at 8/270 and remain in the boxseat to claim victory after Virat Kohli (44 not out) guided his team to 3/164 at stumps — still in need of another 280 runs.

Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

But it was a moment early in the chase that will be the biggest talking point of the match. Cameron Green was targeted with an ugly chant of “cheat” by Indian fans after taking another classic catch in the cordon.

Cameron Green celebrated immediately. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The Aussie all-rounder dove to his left to clutch a chance created by Scott Boland early in the Indian innings.

The third umpire was asked to decide Shubman Gill’s fate and after countless replays which showed Green reaching the ball well before it hit the ground – and him getting at least one finger underneath the Duke – it was finally called a fair catch.

“If you look at not only (Green’s) instant reaction but also the fielders around him, there was no doubt that the fingers were under the ball,” James Brayshaw said in commentary for Channel 7.

Shubman Gill would feel hard done by 👀 #WTCFinalpic.twitter.com/u7n9bD38WT

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 10, 2023

“I thought he caught it fair and square. It looked good from where I was and he was really happy with it so I think the right decision was made,” Aussie wicketkeeper Alex Carey added after play finished.

But when the decision was displayed on the big screen Indian fans in attendance started booing, and according to ESPNCricinfo chanted “cheat cheat cheat”.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who was out in the middle, cried “No!” as Gill’s fate was confirmed and then had a conversation with the umpires about the decision.

Indian legend Virender Sehwag further inflamed the situation by taking a cheap shot on Twitter, before Gill himself also posted on social media appearing to mock the decision.

Third umpire while making that decision of Shubman Gill.

Inconclusive evidence. When in doubt, it’s Not Out #WTC23Finalpic.twitter.com/t567cvGjub

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 10, 2023

Instagram story by Shubman Gill. pic.twitter.com/P4hDyzpyS5

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 10, 2023

It marred another closely-fought day.

There was some concern for Australia early when overnight pair Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green fell quickly but Carey (66 not out) and Mitchell Starc (41) combined for a near-century stand to set up the declaration.

But the performance of our fast bowlers again left a lot to be desired – and raised concerns about how they’ll navigate Bazball.

Rohit Sharma led an aggressive Indian top order in the second innings, passing 40 at close to a run-a-ball.

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc coughed up 60 runs from their combined first 10 overs, a scary sight given how England plans to approach things in the Ashes.

India's Virat Kohli was in fine form. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

But thankfully for Australia they have a world-class spinner in their ranks and it was Nathan Lyon who claimed the second wicket of the innings to dampen hopes of a shock Indian chase.

The offspinner slid one past Sharma’s bat and trapped him LBW for 43 – a decision that was upheld on review.

The breakthrough appeared to lead to a loss of concentration at the other end by Cheteshwar Pujara, who poked his bat at a Cummins bouncer in the following over.

He was only able to nick the attempted ramp and Carey did the rest to leave India in trouble at 3/93.

Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane counterpunched to add more than 70 runs before stumps and the longer their partnership lasts, the more nervous Australia will get.

But India will need to create history as the biggest successful fourth innings chase at The Oval is 9/263 in 1902 by England against Australia.