'CA should’ve paid for hot spot' - Darren Lehmann slams Cricket Australia over KL Rahul's controversial DRS dismissal in Perth Test

Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann has criticized Cricket Australia (CA) for not implementing hot spot technology following KL Rahul's controversial dismissal during India's first innings of the first Test at Perth. The incident has sparked huge discussions about the accuracy of the Decision Review System (DRS).

The incident occurred during the 23rd over of India's innings on Day 1 when Rahul, was batting on 26 and was caught behind off Mitchell Starc's bowling. The initial not-out decision by the on-field umpire was overturned by third umpire Richard Illingworth, despite what many viewed as inconclusive evidence.

The dismissal review relied heavily on a spike in the Ultra Edge technology when the ball passed the bat, though replays showed that the sound could have been from Rahul's bat hitting his pad.

Without the benefit of hot spot technology, which could have provided clearer evidence of any bat contact, the third umpire made his decision based on limited technological input. Lehmann, speaking on ABC Sport, spoke about CA's decision to drop the hot spot technology. 

"CA should’ve paid for the hotspot; then you’d have no problems there. I just think we should have a hot spot, and I’m not worried about the cost. Broadcasters, both TV and radio, are paying the money for the broadcasting rights, so they’ve got the money there to do it. If we’re going to have big crowds and big nations playing, pay for it, work it out, and get the right result,” he said.

Also Read: AUS vs IND 2024-25: Simon Taufel dissects KL Rahul's controversial DRS dismissal in Perth Test

If it’s a cost issue, come out and say it’s a cost issue: Darren Lehmann

The former Australian coach also mentioned the potential consequences of such technological limitations in crucial matches like the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India.

“Think about this in a crunch fifth Test decider in Sydney, both teams playing for a World Test Championship spot, for example, and that happens, and you haven’t got Hot Spot. If it’s a cost issue, come out and say it’s a cost issue, which I imagine it must be," he added.

Meanwhile, on Day 2, Rahul put the controversial dismissal behind him, partnering with Yashasvi Jaiswal to create history. The duo became the first Indian opening pair in two decades to record a century partnership on Australian soil. Their unbeaten stand of 172 runs by stumps which included Jaiswal's 90* and Rahul's 62* put the visitors in the driver's position, extending their lead to 218 runs.