The Big Bash League saw another controversy on Friday when a seeming umpiring error cost Jordan Silk his wicket in the match between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars. In the final over of the match, with Sixers requiring two runs to win off three deliveries, Silk was seemingly ran out, but Stars' skipper Adam Zampa took a review for a caught behind. While the replays showed a clear gap between bat and ball, the snickometer shockingly showed a spike.
To add to the shock for the batter, the third umpire adjudged him caught-behind. Silk protested and asked for a review himself, but had to walk back to the pavilion.
Check it out here:
Justifiably, the internet wasn't too happy with the umpiring decision either, with fans and even cricketers taking to Twitter to criticise the call.
{{/usCountry}}Justifiably, the internet wasn't too happy with the umpiring decision either, with fans and even cricketers taking to Twitter to criticise the call.
{{/usCountry}}Team India's former opener Aakash Chopra wrote, “How is it given out by the third umpire?? At the time of spike, the ball is 6 inches away from the bat. Left of screen. #BBL12”
New Zealand's James Neesham, meanwhile, took a dig at BBL for punishing players for language but letting go of poor decisions made by the umpires.
“I think everyone should concentrate less on big bash umpiring errors and more on the fact that every player who’s said a naughty word on field this season has been appropriately fined, and really, if we’re honest, that’s what matters," wrote the Kiwi all-rounder.
Here's how the fans reacted:
This is not the first time when Big Bash League came under the scanner for questionable umpiring decisions. Earlier this week, Melbourne Stars captain Adam Zampa attempted to run Tom Rogers out at the non-strikers' end; however, the umpire first reasoned out with the bowler, telling him that his arm had gone past the 'vertical' -- the point where the ball is deemed to be bowled. He then checked with the TV umpire, who also came up with the same verdict, thus giving Rogers a reprieve.
The decision caused significant uproar on the social media at the time.