On this date in 2008, Australia achieved a significant 122-run victory against India, thereby matching their record of 16 consecutive Test wins. However, the match was marred by controversies related to umpiring mistakes and accusations of racial abuse. The Sydney Test is regarded as one of the most disputed matches in the annals of cricket.

Australia commenced their innings, accumulating an impressive total of 463 runs. Andrew Symonds played a pivotal role, contributing an unbeaten 162 runs, although this achievement was later overshadowed by his acknowledgment of having edged a delivery early in his innings, a detail that went unnoticed by the umpires.

In reply, India scored 532 runs, with Sachin Tendulkar delivering a remarkable performance, finishing with 154 not out. The match appeared to be heading towards a draw until Australia declared their second innings at 401 for 7, setting India a challenging target of 333 runs. The Indian batting order struggled, ultimately being dismissed for 210 runs, which allowed Australia to secure a thrilling victory in the closing moments of the fifth day.

Umpiring controversies

The match was significantly affected by numerous umpiring mistakes that altered its outcome. Umpires Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson were central to these disputes:

Andrew Symonds' edge: At a score of 30, Symonds edged a ball to the wicketkeeper, a potential dismissal overlooked by the umpires, which allowed him to achieve a pivotal score of 162 not out.

Michael Clarke's non-dismissal: Clarke edged a ball to second slip but did not leave the crease. Subsequently, he claimed a controversial catch to dismiss Sourav Ganguly, which the umpires accepted based on a pre-series agreement to rely on the fielder's assertion.

Additional errors: Several decisions, including a stumping chance against Symonds and multiple leg-before-wicket appeals, were ruled incorrectly, resulting in considerable backlash.

These mistakes led the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to file an official complaint, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to replace Steve Bucknor for the third Test in Perth.

'Monkeygate' scandal

A notable incident during the match involved a confrontation between Indian offspinner Harbhajan Singh and Australian allrounder Andrew Symonds. Symonds claimed that Harbhajan had used a racial slur, specifically alleging that he was referred to as a "monkey." Following this allegation, match referee Mike Procter held a hearing and subsequently imposed a three-match suspension on Harbhajan. This ruling provoked intense reactions from the Indian team, including threats to withdraw from the tour. However, upon appeal and with evidence indicating a possible misunderstanding, the suspension was rescinded, and Harbhajan was instead fined 50 percent of his match fee.

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