The Sydney Scandal

In this episode, we take you back to Sydney in 2008. A Test match that remains etched in cricket history for all the wrong reasons. From umpiring howlers to fiery allegations, this game had it all—except the Decision Review System (DRS).

We dive into one of cricket's most controversial chapters and ask: what if DRS had been available?

• Would India have salvaged a draw—or even a win?


• Could the Monkeygate scandal have been diffused before it escalated?


• How might the careers of cricketing legends like Andrew Symonds, Ricky Ponting, Harbhajan Singh, and others have been shaped differently?

Hosts AB and SS revisit the defining moments of the match, analyzing pivotal umpiring errors, the missing role of technology, and the larger-than-life personalities that dominated this unforgettable clash. Expect fiery debates, what-if scenarios, and a reimagined outcome of this iconic Test.

Join the conversation!

Did DRS change the game forever? How do you think the Sydney Test would have played out with it? Share your thoughts at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram: @the_reverse_sweep_show.

Links

• Youtube link of umpiring errors


• Wikipedia page with details of the Sydney test


• Buckner’s acceptance of wrong decisions


• Why did India take time to adopt the DRS


• Highlights of 3rd test at Perth that India won

Timestamps

Small Talk (00:15)

Match Overview (02:42)

Storylines (04:24)

The What Ifs (15:13)

Monkeygate (21:25)

Aftermath and Legacies (27:15)

DRS lateness (43:30)

Fans and emotions (47:15)

Final thoughts (50:26)

Social media links

• Suyash Sengar




• On X as @jefedinho




• Abhinav Bansal




• On Instagram @a_Bansal11




• The reverse sweep show




• On Instagram @the_reverse_sweep_show