Why Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson make bad Umpiring?
January 6, 2008
India boycotted the presentation ceremony in Sydney, in the wake of criminally bad umpiring that contributed to India losing the Sydney test to Australia. The decision by Kumble and his men will certainly ensure that Sydney Test is far from over despite scoreboard telling a different tale. A visibly upset Anil Kumble said, ” The proceedings was there for every one to see. We fought hard but could not succeed as things certainly were not in our favour.” “I understand such things happen, but it was one too many to handle. I won’t blame my team for the loss,” Kumble said.
Kumble however stopped short of making any direct comments on the issue. Former Indian coach, Ian Chappell also could not refrain from commenting that,” Justice was not done for all. I feel for India.”
The BCCI, reacting strongly on the development, has decided to register a formal complain against the umpiring decision. Sources close to BCCI confirmed that India has sent a letter to ICC to this effect.
On the other hand a defiant Australian captain Ricky Ponting said that he was in favour of umpires taking the fielders word in the field whenever they are in doubt.” That’s the way the game should be played,” he said.
He said that he along with his Indian counterpart had jointly agreed in a meeting prior to the series about the issue. He also clarified that his raised finger was directed towards the umpire and not Sourav Ganguly.
India on the other hand was all set to carry the protest forward as a report against Umpires was being drafted.
Why is the world’s richest cricket body silent on the whole issue is the question that Indian cricket fans are asking.
The incident has evoked strong reactions from both the players and the management. The BCCI has expressed concern at the umpiring decisions during the Sydney Test.
Talking to media, BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla said, “We need to take a hard look at all decisions. Those of (Rahul) Dravid and Sourav’s (Ganguly) are shocking. This is not the way umpiring is done.”
“Even cricketing greats like (Sunil) Gavaskar are outraged. We are shocked at the incident”, he added. Former Indian batsman Navjot Singh Sidhu also expressed his outrage saying, “Symonds was given at least four lives, only after which he could complete his century. A number of decisions were given against the Indians as opposed to just one against the Aussies.”
“It is the ICC’s responsibility to look into the matter. The third umpire should be given the authority to overrule the decision in case the on-field umpire is wrong”, he added.
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