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Bailey's claimed catch courts controversy

Australia's George Bailey claimed a catch of Shikhar Dhawan that was ruled not out by the third umpire

There has been another moment of contention in this Victoria Bitter One-Day International series with Australia's George Bailey refused a catch on inspection from the television match official.

India were cruising towards their victory target of 349 when opener Shikhar Dhawan, on 114, cut a delivery from Mitchell Marsh in Bailey's direction at backward point.

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The Tasmanian moved well to his left and dove forward as the ball dropped in front of him and - despite losing the ball from his hand after tumbling to the ground - claimed a fair catch.

Umpires Ian Ward and Paul Wilson conferred before asking the opinion of third umpire Sam Nogajski.

But replays appeared to show the ball had landed just before Bailey collected it in his left hand and the umpires ruled not out.

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The incident mattered little in the final wash-up, though, with Dhawan falling 12 runs later when he again played an uppish cut shot in the direction of Bailey, who this time was able to hold a comfortable catch.

Wilson had originally started the day as the third umpire but was called onto the field when English umpire Richard Kettleborough was forced off the field with a shin injury suffered when he was struck by a straight drive from Aaron Finch.

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The series has featured several close and contentious umpiring decisions; Bailey had been the beneficiary of an incorrect decision during the first match in Perth, with replays showing he should have been given out from the first ball he faced.

WATCH: Bailey escapes glove behind on first ball at WACA

The old adage about incorrect decisions eventually evening up appeared to ring true in the next match, when India's Rohit Sharma was given a let off despite replays showing he had edged a delivery behind.

And Glenn Maxwell revealed to cricket.com.au this week that he'd got a thin edge behind during his match-winning innings in game three at the MCG.