The batter was given out caught behind, but replays suggested that the ball may or may not have carried to the wicketkeeper
ESPNcricinfo understands that Elgar and Masubelele wanted to discuss the dismissal with Erasmus and Allahudien Palekar, the on-field umpires, third umpire Adrian Holdstock, and match referee Andy Pycroft. It isn’t clear what the South Africans were seeking from the officials, other than perhaps a clarification on the dismissal.
Multiple replays from a couple of angles were inconclusive. Given the protocol on such catches requires conclusive evidence for an on-field decision to be overturned, it suggests the on-field decision would have remained. Law 2.12, on any reversal of an umpiring decision states: “An umpire may alter any decision provided that such alteration is made promptly. This apart, an umpire’s decision, once made, is final.” The law does not provide clarification over the duration of time that is considered “prompt”.
The wicket capped a remarkable half-hour of work from Thakur, who picked up three wickets to reduce South Africa from 88 for 1 to 102 for 4.
More to follow…
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s South Africa correspondent