IND vs AUS: Nitin Menon trends after five umpiring howlers in one innings of third Test

Nitin Menon’s five umpiring errors in one innings

In the first over of the match, a delivery from Mitchell Starc edged past Rohit Sharma’s bat before landing into the gloves of wicket-keeper Alex Carey. Despite the knick being heard even by the TV commentators, Menon failed to make a correct decision and deemed India captain Rohit Sharma not out. Australia also did not take a review to the surprise of everyone.

On the fourth ball of the same over, the visitors made a shout for an LBW appeal against Rohit. It was turned down again by Menon and for the second time in a row Australia too did not opt for a review. Later, the ball-tracking technology showed three reds and the ball crashing straight into the stumps.

It was just the start of umpiring howlers from the Indian umpire. In the eleventh over, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was declared LBW, however, the southpaw successfully reviewed the decision. The snickometer confirmed an edge this time.

Apart from Team India, the Indore-born umpire was also going through a tough day when one of his decisions was upheld by the third-umpire in the 17th over. Australia challenged Menon’s not out for an LBW appeal against Bharat and lost the review.

However, just ahead of lunch, the visitors took a superb review against the same batter to leave India reeling at 82 for seven. The ball which hit below the knee roll as Lyon went roaring for a massive appeal. Menon stood unfazed as the Australians asked for a review. Ball-tracking showed the ball would have hit middle and leg.

The last error of judgement came after lunch in the 29th over. Sharp turn and bounce from Australia’s crusader-in-chief Matthew Kunhemann had Ravichandran Ashwin caught behind. Menon turned down the appeal again but because Carey had also whipped off the bails he had to send the decision upstairs to check if Ashwin was outside the crease. Richard Kettleborough followed the protocol and checked everything. The ultraedge technology showed a spike and Menon had to change his decision once again.

Here are a few Twitter reactions to Nitin Menon’s umpiring howlers.

Nitin Menon has not had a good innings…

— Ben Cameron (@BenCameron23) March 1, 2023

What the hell is Nitin Menon doing? Is he even watching the game. #INDvAUS

— James McKern (@jLmcKern) March 1, 2023

Top Performers for Australia and India in the 1st inns. #INDvAUS #Cricket

Australia – Matthew Kuhnemann
India – Nitin Menon

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) March 1, 2023

Nitin Menon is like that person who writes long career posts on Linkedin but is himself horrible at his job.

— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) March 1, 2023

KS Bharat dismissed now for 17. India 82/7, Nitin Menon’s horrendous run continues.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 1, 2023