The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has consistently been a source of intense drama. Throughout the years, the contest between India and Australia has produced numerous contentious incidents, yet one cannot overlook India's tour of Australia in 2008-09. This series is particularly noted for the contentious Sydney Test. It encompassed thrilling moments, disputed on-field decisions, and the notable incident involving Harbhajan Singh and the late Andrew Symonds.

The 'Monkeygate' controversy surrounding Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds dominated the headlines; however, it is also important to remember the scrutiny faced by the umpires for their numerous contentious decisions.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has recently reflected on that Test, noting that umpire Steve Bucknor made his debut for Australia during that series. Bucknor controversially ruled Symonds not out despite a clear edge to wicketkeeper MS Dhoni.

"There were numerous edges, yet Bucknor did not give any of them out. There were appeals, and at one point, Ricky Ponting caught one and declared it out himself," Harbhajan Singh remarked while providing Hindi commentary for Star Sports.

"In that series, Bucknor made his debut for Australia. He performed admirably for them in that match. The only thing he seemed focused on was being the 12th man," he added.

Bucknor had admitted to making umpiring errors

In the 2008 Sydney Test, Steve Bucknor failed to consult the third umpire regarding a stumping decision. Replays clearly indicated that MS Dhoni successfully removed the bails in time to dismiss Andrew Symonds, who was out of his crease.

The Sydney Test was marred by several other umpiring mistakes. Mark Benson ruled Ricky Ponting not out despite the right-hander edging a delivery from Sourav Ganguly down the leg side.

Additionally, Michael Clarke appeared to take a low catch off Sourav Ganguly in the final innings; however, replays revealed that the ball had made contact with the ground before being caught. Ricky Ponting notably signalled for the out decision, which the umpire upheld.

In 2020, Steve Bucknor acknowledged a couple of errors he made during that Test. 

"I made two mistakes in the Sydney Test in 2008," he stated in an interview with Mid-Day. 

"The first mistake, which occurred while India was performing well, allowed an Australian batsman to score a century. The second mistake, on the fifth day, may have cost India the match. Nevertheless, two mistakes over five days—was I the first umpire to make two errors in a Test? Those two mistakes continue to haunt me," he remarked.

Ultimately, the ICC decided to remove Steve Bucknor from officiating the third Test in Perth due to the significant umpiring blunders that contributed to India's 122-run defeat in the Sydney Test.

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