Third umpire issues DRS verdict on Aaron Finch's 'mystifying' dismissal

Australia are satisfied Aaron Finch’s dismissal would not have been overturned by the Decision Review System (DRS) after a day of umpiring blunders in the first Test against India.

Finch fell for 11 in the second innings at Adelaide Oval after being caught at bat-pad off the final ball before tea on day four.

Replays suggested the ball didn’t flick the gloves, meaning Finch – who quizzed opening partner Marcus Harris before walking – would have been saved if he had reviewed.

The decision not to send it upstairs was described as “mystifying” as Australian cricket greats questioned the process.

Offspinner Nathan Lyon, however, said after play on Sunday that he had spoken to third umpire Chris Gaffaney and been assured the evidence was inconclusive, meaning Finch’s dismissal could not have been overturned by the DRS.

Finch had already referred a lbw verdict in the first over of the innings, only avoiding the ignominy of a pair because replays showed Ishant Sharma had delivered a no-ball.

“It was inconclusive evidence to overturn the decision,” Lyon said.

“It’s been a great learning curve for Aaron. He’ll take a lot out of this first Test match at home and he’ll be better for the run.”

Lyon was left frustrated by the DRS on Sunday with umpire Nigel Llong erring several times.

The finger spinner was foiled early on day four when Llong gave Ajinkya Rahane out caught at bat-pad for 17, only for the decision to be overturned on review.

Replays showed the ball struck Rahane’s front pad outside the line of off stump and missed both bat and gloves by a long way.

The reversal was a blow for Australia as Rahane (70) and Cheteshwar Pujara (71) pushed Australia’s victory target out to 323.

It was the third time in the match India had correctly reviewed a Lyon wicket with Englishman Llong responsible for each of the initial misjudgements.

First-innings centurion Pujara was twice given out to Lyon on Saturday but had both dismissals overturned.

Pujara was given out caught behind on eight but the Hot Spot technology showed no contact with bat or gloves.

He then had another reprieve on 17 when given out lbw after failing to offer a shot to a ball which turned into the right-hander.

The DRS confirmed the delivery was tracking over the bails.

Llong also gave Usman Khawaja not out on Friday only for the decision to be overturned.

India refused to play under the DRS for almost a decade after its 2008 introduction to Test cricket but softened their stance and accepted the technology from 2016.