Australian star batter Travis Head survived a scare during the opening day of the ongoing Barbados Test. A highly controversial ruling from the TV umpire left the cricketing world divided. Even after seeing the clear visuals of the ball carrying into the keeper's gloves, the TV umpire ruled in favor of the batting side, thus causing an intense uproar.

The incident came to light during the 46th over of the Australian innings. While facing up to West Indies' Shamar Joseph, Head chased a wide delivery while staying rooted to his crease. Although he did not get the desired connection, the replay, however, confirmed that the ball did make some contact with the cue end of Head's bat.

The West Indies were confident and, after a brief deliberation, opted for a review. Their assumptions were proven right when they saw the visuals on the big screen that suggested a tiny spike as the ball went past the toe-end of the bat. However, South Africa's Adrian Holdstock, who is the designated TV umpire, was not convinced whether the ball settled cleanly into the gloves of Shai Hope. 

Although it appeared that the ball comfortably carried into the gloves of the keeper to the naked eye, Holdstock did not seem very confident and felt that some part of the ball brushed the ground before going into the keeper's gloves.

See also: Australia record their lowest ever Test total against the West Indies in 30 years

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Did Travis Head get lucky? 👀

Shamar Joseph thought he had him, but was it clean? Fair call or a missed chance? 🤔#WIvAUS pic.twitter.com/MKeZe2iRTT

— FanCode (@FanCode) June 25, 2025

Despite the let-off, Head failed to cash in as he could only add six more runs before getting dismissed by Greaves on 59. Head emerged as the highest run-scorer for Australia in the first innings and stood tall while the rest of the Australian batters struggled to get their feet going on a difficult batting surface.

Australia's innings ended right after the Tea interval on day one. With only 180 runs on the board, the Aussie quicks launched a late assault to have West Indies four down for 57 by the end of the day's play.