Australian captain Pat Cummins was left baffled after the hosts were denied a potential wicket on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG following a “rushed” decision from the third umpire.

Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

Looking to wrap up India’s first innings, Cummins produced a full delivery from around the wicket to tailender Mohammed Siraj, with an edge sailing towards Steve Smith at second slip.

Australia celebrated the apparent breakthrough while umpire Michael Gough sent the decision upstairs to third official Sharfuddoula Saikat to check whether there had been a bump ball.

However, after briefly consulting replays, Sharfuddoula handed down a not-out verdict, perplexing Cummins and his teammates.

“I can see the ball after hitting the back, I am satisfied,” Sharfuddoula said.

The Australian skipper immediately walked up to Gough and signalled for a review, imploring the umpires to look over the footage again. However, Gough and fellow umpire Joel Wilson denied Cummins’ pleas, with Siraj surviving.

“I tell you what, I think that needed a bit more of an interrogation,” former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket commentary.

“Pat wants to review it, this is very interesting, I’ve never seen this. Pat is saying you umpires took it upstairs on your own behalf, now I would like to review that decision.

“I do think it needs to be inspected a little bit more closely if indeed you’re allowed to review it.

“It felt like a rushed decision.”

Former Australian batter Mark Waugh continued: “That was very, very tight … For me it just bounced before it hit the bat. It’s on the ground there and then it comes up.

“It was tight but I would say it’s probably out… it’s one I’ve never seen before to be quite honest. You could probably go either way and he’s not 100 per cent sure.”

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri responded: “The umpire said I’ve seen the ball bounce after it hit the bat. That was a very quick call, a very quick call, just two replays.”

The decision ultimately didn’t prove too costly, with Australian spinner Nathan Lyon removing centurion Nitish Kumar Reddy three deliveries later for 114.

India was bowled out for 369 in 119.3 overs, giving Australia a first-innings lead of 105 runs.