Following a series of controversial decisions on Days 3 and 4 at Lord's, umpire Paul Reiffel was heavily criticised by Indian fans, which infuriated both players and spectators.
Paul Reiffel, widely regarded as one of the top umpires of this generation, had an uncharacteristically off day at Lord’s. A number of his decisions drew sharp criticism on social media, with many fans believing they swung the momentum in England’s favour. Some even went as far as to compare him to Steve Bucknor the former umpire infamous among Indian fans for his controversial calls that often benefited Australia in the early 2000s.
Reiffel’s Root LBW Call Sparks Controversy at Lord’s
The first major flashpoint came with Joe Root’s LBW appeal. Mohammed Siraj bowled an inswinger that angled into Root’s pads as he shuffled across the crease. In real time, it looked destined to hit the middle and leg. However, Reiffel turned down the appeal. India reviewed it, and ball-tracking showed the delivery just clipping the leg stump, resulting in “umpire’s call” and the decision staying with the batter.
Both Siraj and skipper Shubman Gill, visibly confident before the DRS call, were frustrated when the review didn’t go India’s way.
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Gavaskar Slams Ball-Tracking After Root LBW Review
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, on commentary at the time, questioned the technology and was unimpressed:
"You're saying it was going to kiss the leg stump? There's no way. It was knocking the leg stump off. The only good thing is that India has not lost the review," Gavaskar said.
Reiffel’s Controversial Calls on Stokes and Gill Fuel Fan Outrage
Earlier, a similar decision had gone against India on Day 2. Ben Stokes survived an almost identical ball from Siraj, which was again ruled not out by Reiffel. On review, the tracking again returned “umpire’s call,” adding to India's frustration.
Tensions escalated further when Shubman Gill was controversially given out during India’s tense chase of 193. While batting under pressure, Gill was judged caught behind by Reiffel despite the ball missing the bat by nearly 1–2 inches. He reviewed immediately, and replays confirmed no edge. The poor call enraged fans online, many accusing Reiffel of acting like England’s 12th man on the field.
India have been hurt badly by these umpiring decisions in this Test though some might also argue it’s just a matter of luck not favouring them at Lord’s. The Test has already delivered plenty of drama, and with India deep into their tail chasing a tough target, England look firm favourites heading into Day 5.
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