“I don’t think we were completely certain or content with the decisions,” – Hayley Mathews lamented the two mistakes made by the umpires.

Hayley Mathews, the captain of the West Indies, expressed her anger at the difficulties her side experienced in their eight-wicket loss to Australia.

Hayley Mathews refused to use the fact that her team lost two closely contested TV umpire decisions as an excuse, admitting that they were vastly outmatched in the ODI series.

After two disputed decisions by TV umpire Claire Polosak in the space of just three deliveries, the Caribbean team, reeling at 38 for 2, found themselves in serious trouble at 39 for 4 when batting first in the third ODI at Junction Oval, Melbourne. The West Indies starting pitcher voiced her dissatisfaction with the results and showed sportsmanship by accepting the setbacks and moving on.

After the game, the 25-year-old avoided blaming the TV official, focusing instead on her team’s obligation to obey the rulings even when they disagreed with them. Nevertheless, she stated during the post-match captains’ meeting that she intended to speak with the match officials about the contentious decisions in order to seek clarification and fair play.

“I believe they were really close calls. I am aware that frequently, when in question, the batter is given the benefit of the doubt. But the umpire needed to make a choice. We may not have agreed or agreed completely with the decisions, but we must still accept the umpire’s decision and follow it, according to Hayley Mathews, as reported by ESPN Cricinfo.

Stafanie Taylor’s dismissal, caught and bowled by Annabel Sutherland, sparked debate since replays showed the ball had made touch with the ground before landing in Sutherland’s grasp. This was one of the two umpiring blunders that caused a hornet’s nest. Shemaine Campbelle was later ruled out by on-field umpire Eloise Sheridan, and after a review, TV umpire Claire Polosak upheld the decision.

Polosak’s choice was based on the fact that the ball made contact with Campbelle’s pad before brushing the inside edge and deflecting onto the pad. These controversial rulings raised questions about the accuracy and precision of decision-making in the game of cricket and brought intrigue to the game. West Indies only scored 103 runs before losing every wicket they had, whereas Australia Women successfully chased down the target in 15.3 overs with only two wickets lost.