CWC 19: Umpiring howlers dominate Australia versus Windies match
Australia beat West Indies by 15 runs in match number 10 of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. But the match was marred by controversies. The standard of umpiring was at its lowest in the match and this has put the spotlight on the ICC. Here's what happened during the course of the game.
Gayle's tryst with LBWs against Starc
Chris Gayle was adjudged LBW twice by the umpire in Mitchell Starc's third over during West Indies' chase of 289. But on both occasions, the veteran opening batsman invoked the DRS and the decisions were overturned. And then he was adjudged LBW once again by Chris Gaffaney. But this time he was unlucky as DRS retained the decision with the ball hitting the stump.
What happened with the ball prior to Gayle's LBW?
Prior to the delivery that got Gayle out LBW, the on-field umpire missed a big no-ball bowled by Starc. Television replays showed that it was a massive no-ball and the umpire failed to notice it. If the umpire would have spotted the no-ball, then the next delivery would be a free-hit and Gayle would have survived. This was a serious offence by the umpire.
Holder then sees two LBW decisions get overturned
The poor decisions didn't end just there. As the match progressed, West Indian skipper Jason Holder was adjudged LBW twice. But on both occasions the decision for overturned as Holder review the same. On the first occasion, the review showed that the ball pitched outside the leg stump. He then failed to connect a sweep shot, but the ball was missing leg stump.
Umpiring level in this match has been atrocious: Michael Holding
"The umpiring level in this match has been atrocious. They are getting intimidated by constant appealing by the (Australian) team," Michael Holding said while commentating during the match.
Brathwaite and Holder stunned by poor umpiring
"I don't know if I'll be fined for saying it but I just think that the umpiring was a bit frustrating. Even when we were bowling we thought a few balls close to head height were called wides," said a gutted Carlos Brathwaite. "I saw it on the screen in the dressing room, and I just laughed, man. I couldn't believe it," Holder said.
Umpiring was at its lowest in IPL 12 as well
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 saw several poor decisions throughout the tournament by on-field umpires. The biggest howler was seen in the match between RCB and MI, where Lasith Malinga's no-ball wasn't spotted by umpire Sundaram Ravi. "We are playing at the IPL level and not playing club cricket. The umpires should have their eyes open," Virat Kohli had stated.
Umpiring decisions need severe improvement: Our take
Umpiring in such a major tournament needs to improve drastically. The LBW decisions are a big thing, but what's even bigger is the failure to spot no-balls. This cannot be excused. Starc's foot was way beyond the line and it's strange that the umpire failed to notice that. The ICC should look into the matter and perhaps be more strict.
