The Australian Test team’s ‘disrespectful’ act that sent India boiling in the final of the Test World Cup

Australia cricket team have come under fire for their perceived arrogance during the Test Championship final at The Oval after a “disrespectful” incident at the end of the first inning in India.

The incident came as Australian players David Warner, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne appeared to leave the pitch prematurely while awaiting a third referee decision.

This act of impatience has drawn criticism and marred their otherwise dominant performance against India.

On day three of the finals, India showed a spirited comeback as Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur battled valiantly through the morning session, crucial runs contributing to their team’s total points.

Although Australia maintained a dominant position throughout the game, frustration among the team began to mount.

David Warner, Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne return to the pitch while Usman Khawaja (not pictured) was halfway to the players’ dressing rooms

Rohit Sharma and the rest of the Indian squad were unimpressed by Australia’s early exit from the field

Missed catches, wickets without balls and wasted criticism spoiled their day on the field. The Australians were eager to retire to the dressing room and start batting their innings but were caught by a bizarre turn of events.

In the 12th over of the day, Cameron Green sacked Shardul Thakur for a hard-fought 51 runs.

Moments later it appeared he had caught Mohammed Siraj for a golden duck as the referee raised his finger on the pitch.

As per the norm for using the decision review system, batsmen will typically review every knockdown, even if it seems obvious, when a team still has time to review their last wicket.

Assuming Siraj’s review would be a formality, the Australian players assumed it was a routine review and began leaving the pitch. However, the technology revealed that Siraj had actually hit the ball on his pads, thereby nullifying the decision on the pitch.

To their embarrassment, the Australian giants had already left the field and were busily preparing for their second inning. The crowd’s cheers quickly turned to mockery as onlookers found the incident disrespectful.

And the Australian team is also under fire on social media.

‘I agree. “That was bad of the Aussies,” wrote one fan.

“The four who left should have known better.” Completely disrespectful. “Oh how did the mighty game please,” posted another.

“What about this current troop of Australian freelance players?” These players should be made an example of and their playing fee should be deducted or better yet donated to charity in India,” added one more.

Former Aussie Test captain Ricky Ponting said he’s never seen anything like players running off the pitch prematurely

Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne kneels after attempting to play a ball from India’s Mohammed Siraj during day three of the finals of the ICC World Test Championship

Confused by the turn of events, former Aussie Test skipper Ricky Ponting expressed his surprise in the comments box, stating that he had never witnessed such an incident.

Meanwhile, broadcaster Alison Mitchell noted that Usman Khawaja was already halfway up the stairs when the reversal was announced.

Cricinfo’s ball-for-ball comment called the act “disrespectful,” echoing the sentiments of the disapproving crowd.

Despite the controversy, the incident had little effect on the outcome of the game.

Just five balls later, a fiery rebound from Mitchell Starc released Mohammed Shami, who passed it to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. India finished their first innings with 296 runs overall, 173 runs back.

At the end of Day 3, Australia was 4 for 123 and leading by 296 runs, with Marnus Labuschagne unbeaten on 41 runs.